This summer Austin ISD Library Media Services is hosting its annual Buford the Book Bus tour providing free books to children of all ages, from infants to teens, in English and Spanish-there is a book for everyone.
The programs are held in June and July at schools across the city.
During the summer many students lose their access to books and the district is providing these opportunities for families to keep their children reading over the summer to stop the summer slide.
Summer slide is the phrase used to describe the slide backwards that many children make in reading and math skills over the summer. In providing these books the district is encouraging families to combat the slide by having their children keep up their skills during the summer.
"We know that not reading during the summer can really affect students reading level," said Austin ISD Librarian Shannon Pearce. "We want to make sure that all kids have books to read over the summer so when they return to school in the fall they are well prepared."
Buford the Book Bus 2019 Schedule:
JUNE
All programs are from 10-11:30 a.m.
Activity: Yoga and the reading of Yoga in the Jungle (English and Spanish) by Ramiro Calle and Nivola Uya
* Tuesday, June 11,
Widén Elementary, 5605 Nuckols Crossing Austin, TX 78744
* Wednesday, June 12,
Lanier Early College High School, 1201 Payton Gin Road Austin, TX 78758
* Tuesday, June 18
Travis Heights Elementary, 2010 Alameda Drive Austin, TX 78704
* Wednesday, June 19
Reagan Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Drive Austin, TX 78752
* Thursday, June 20
Walnut Creek Elementary, 401 W. Braker Lane Austin, TX 78753
* Tuesday, June 25
Uphaus Early Childhood Center, 5200 Freidrich Lane Austin, TX 78744
* Wednesday, June 26
Ortega Elementary, 1135 Garland Ave. Austin, TX 78721
JULY
All programs are from 10-11:30 a.m.
Activity: Art activity and reading of "Carmela Full of Wishes" (English and Spanish) by Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson.
* Tuesday, July 16
Perez Elementary, 7500 S. Pleasant Valley Road Austin, TX 78744
* Wednesday, July 17
Padron Elementary, 2011 W. Rundberg Lane Austin, TX 78758
* Thursday, July 18
Hart Elementary, 8301 Furness St. Austin, TX 78753
* Tuesday, July 23
Harris Elementary, 1711 Wheless Lane Austin, TX 78723
* Wednesday, July 24
Galindo Elementary, 3800 S. Second St. Austin, TX 78704
* Thursday, July 25,
Brooke Elementary, 3100 East 4th St. Austin, TX 78702