Zoey Huie
9th graders visited the library during their English class in order to celebrate World Book Day and grab a free book from the English department.
In a quiet part of Cardozo lies the school’s library — a paradise for those who wish to study in peace or to seek the adventure that resides in paper and ink.
From April 21-23, however, this sanctuary was closed for all periods. It underwent a transformation, preparing for the occasion that it has hosted for the past two years: the Book Giveaway. This event is hosted specifically at the end of April to align with World Book Day.
Dozens of books that differed in genre and representation were taken out of storage. They were piled high and spread out on tables, waiting to be chosen by a lucky student. And, best of all, they were free to take.
These free books were supplied by a city program as well as the English department, taking any books no longer involved in the curriculum. Thus, allowing these forgotten books to be redistributed and adored by a new generation.
However, not anyone could waltz into the library. This year, the event was open only to 9th graders as they toured the library during their English class.
Ms. Moolsankar, one of the school’s librarians, explained, “In the past few years we had 9th all the way to 12th grade. And then last year, we focused on the 9th graders who are 10th graders now. So everyone in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade had gotten a chance, and so we’re going to focus on the 9th graders, so at that point, everyone will have a chance at the books.”
Ms. Moolsankar also elaborated on the aspiration for this event. “Sometimes, we have students that have lost that love or attention to reading, and for those students, we want to bring them back and get them to read again. Find something that they are interested in that they want to read and bring back that motivation.”
With the rise of technology and its endless scrolling for quick dopamine boosts, it’s easy to lose interest in deep reading. However, Cardozo’s librarians and Assistant Principal of English, Mrs. Kierez, are determined to revive the passion for literature, encouraging students to engage with texts and annotate the margins once again.
“We are trying to bring back the love for reading to students at an early age,” Ms. Kierez reflected.“Books allow you to transcend into another world, they’re there for you in your times of need or as a guilty pleasure, they just have a way of bringing one’s spirits up.”
She emphasized her opinion on the importance of reading. She stressed how the duration of reading can benefit your life in a plethora of ways including your speech, writing, and overall mental health. “Literature helps us,” she commented.
“World Book Day is connected with Earth Day, we also talk about recycling or the state of your physical health but I feel like oftentimes we neglect the conversation about our minds, Ms. Kierez highlighted, sharing the importance of self care and believing that indulging in books is one of the best ways to do so.
Almost every period, a new set of 9th graders rolled into the library, sparking their curiosity as they laid their eyes on traditional and modern covers. Desiring to end this urge, they would pick up the book of interest and flit their eyes to the blurb on the back. In the end, finally decide whether or not they should dive further into the piece of literature.
For 9th-grader Ivelisse, she was elated to start reading the first book she grabbed, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul by Jack Canfield, Kimberly Kirberger, and Mark Victor Hansen.
She reminisced, “I’m interested in it because I read the first book. Reading has a powerful feeling that nothing else can give.”
Her message mirrors the true purpose of the event: to provide the opportunity for students to experience the joy of reading, ultimately symbolizing the primary reason for World Book and Copyright Day.
World Book and Copyright Day is an amazing start to getting the youth and overall society involved in reading and activating their minds in a healthy and positive way. This celebration highlights the power of books-how they hold an immeasurable number of stories that surpass the limits of space and time, reshaping the way one sees the world and the way the world sees itself. At the same time, raising awareness of the significance of copyright in protecting the works of authors and illustrators.
World Book and Copyright Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on April 23, 1995. The organization selected this date because it is the anniversary of the death of numerous authors, such as William Shakespheare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Over 100 countries celebrate this special day. Authors, booksellers, librarians, and publishers join together to provide festivities for the community. Author signings, story hours, and online interviews with writers are held by bookstores and libraries. Some e-books are even made available to download for free.
Although Cardozo’s librarians are catering to the minds of young high school kids like freshmen, people of all ages can dive into the educating world of literature. Next World Book Day, which is on April 23, hopefully, everyone can come down to Cardozo’s annual Book Giveaway, or instead, grab your nearest classic, comic, or even magazine and expand your mind.