Final summer pop-up library draws at least 250 people to Viking Stadium

Published 8:58 am Friday, August 23, 2019

By Beau Brockett Jr.

NILES — When Darla Schneider prepared to start a series of pop-up libraries that distributed free books during this summer, she said she had a “Field of Dreams” dilemma, referring to a famous scene from the movie: If Niles Community Schools built up the program, would people come?

They did, Schneider said.

The second year of pop-up libraries ended Wednesday evening at Niles High School’s Viking Stadium on Eagle Street. It was the core component of Back-to-School Kickoff, an event meant to celebrate the end of summer and the start off the school year right.

“If one person gets a book, then it’s a great night,” said Schneider, who is the volunteer coordinator for the district.

Between 250 and 350 people attended, about double the 70 to 170 people who attended the 12 pop-up libraries at Niles area locations earlier this summer.

“The summer libraries have been phenomenal,” Schneider said. “It went above and beyond our expectations.”

The books were arranged into crates by reading level, with Niles High football players manning each crate. Niles students could choose one book, then help themselves to a free dinner provided by the district’s Meet Up & Eat Up program. Performances by members of the Niles’ marching band and cheerleading team were also provided.

The mission was the same as the other 12 pop-up libraries of the summer, said Ring Lardner Middle School English teacher and organizer Cody Armstrong.

“The goal was to get kids to enjoy reading and to give them something to look forward to,” he said.

Organizer and Assistant Superintendent Donna Roark said the pop-up libraries helped the district encourage many students to read over the summer, which it believes is essential for effective learning and for developing an interest in reading.

“If you do a traditional summer school program, you’re only helping the kids at Niles that need the most help,” she said. “With pop-up libraries, you’re reaching all the kids.”

After adjusting library sites and making plans to better promote its culminating event, Roark said the district intends to continue the program for summers to come, continuing a financial partnership with United Way of Southwest Michigan.

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