This summer, Austin ISD Library Media Services hosts its annual Buford the Book Bus tour, providing free books to children of all ages in English and Spanish.
Many students lose access to books during the summer, 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 that many children make in reading and math skills over the summer.
“We know that not reading during the summer can really affect students' reading levels," 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's tour of the district encourages families to combat the slide by having their children keep up their skills during the summer.
Buford the Book Bus 2019 Schedule
JUNE
All programs are 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, 78744
- Wednesday, June 12: Lanier Early College High School, 1201 Payton Gin Road, 78758
- Tuesday, June 18: Travis Heights Elementary, 2010 Alameda Drive, 78704
- Wednesday, June 19: Reagan Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Drive, 78752
- Thursday, June 20: Walnut Creek Elementary, 401 W. Braker Lane, 78753
- Tuesday, June 25: Uphaus Early Childhood Center, 5200 Freidrich Lane, 78744
- Wednesday, June 26: Ortega Elementary, 1135 Garland Ave., 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, 78744
- Wednesday, July 17: Padron Elementary, 2011 W. Rundberg Lane, 78758
- Thursday, July 18: Hart Elementary, 8301 Furness St., 78753
- Tuesday, July 23: Harris Elementary, 1711 Wheless Lane, 78723
- Wednesday, July 24: Galindo Elementary, 3800 S. Second St., 78704
- Thursday, July 25: Brooke Elementary, 3100 E. Fourth St., 78702