Bridging schools and community: Kubasaki HS, Lester MS, Ryukyu MS host "Meet at the Library" event
OKINAWA, Japan— In an exciting, collaborative effort to keep students engaged and reading over the summer months, local school information specialists teamed up with the Camp Foster Base Library to host a special “Meet Your Teachers @ the Library” family event on Wednesday, June 3.
The event was organized by information specialists Andrea Petz (Ryukyu Middle School), Rayana Windom (Lester Middle School), and Charlotte Windom-Perdomo (Kubasaki High School). Inspired by a past event held by Elisha Brookover, former Information Specialist at Stearley Primary School and now Europe Instructional Support Specialist, this gathering brought together families from multiple school communities for an afternoon of exploration and fun.
To make navigation an adventure, the information specialists designed a custom scavenger hunt to introduce families to the Camp Foster Base Library and encourage sign-ups for the “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading Club, which begins June 15. The event also doubled as an art exhibit, showcasing “library love” artwork submitted by students ahead of the big day.
In addition to the colorful displays, families were excited to explore the library’s unique modern amenities, including music practice rooms, a sweet shop, game and robot kit rentals, 3D printers, and craft areas.
No community event is complete without rewards. Local school PTOs generously provided a variety of prizes, ensuring that nearly every attendee left with a token of achievement and a smile.
The event successfully brought a vibrant, high-energy school atmosphere into the public library space. One student shared her excitement about participating:
“I signed up for summer reading, and I’m excited about earning the slingshot pig,” said Piper Cook, a sixth grader at Ryukyu Middle School.
The overwhelming success of the “Meet Your Teachers @ the Library” event highlights the power of collaboration between local school educators and base resources.
A huge thank you goes out to the Camp Foster Base Library staff and the school information specialists for dedicating their time, fostering a love of reading, and supporting a fun, community-centered event for all.
