Buford Rides Again—Summer 2021
A program of Austin ISD Library Media Services, Buford the Book Bus is on a mission to keep students reading throughout the summer by providing free, high-interest books. This summer, Buford is partnering with the Austin Public Library's Bookmobile to distribute books at campuses where AISD Food Service will be distributing free weekly meal packs.
Free books will be available for all levels from toddlers to young adults (in English and Spanish), regardless of where they attend school. All are welcome! (Distributions will take place outside, either drive through or walk up, and current AISD safety protocols will be followed). Learn about all the digital resources and ebooks.
See the schedule below, or download the PDF print flyer.
June & July 2021 Schedule
| Date | Buford the Book Bus Location & Time | Austin Public Library's Bookmobile Location & Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 10 | Padron: 7–9 a.m. | Casey: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| June 17 | Patton: 10:30–12:30 p.m. | Pecan Springs: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| June 24 | Oak Springs: 10:30–12:30 p.m. | Kiker: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| July 1 | Blazier: 10:30–12:30 p.m. | Sunset Valley: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| July 15 | Northeast ECHS: 7–9 a.m. | Martin Middle School: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| July 22 | Allison: 10:30–12:30 p.m. | McBee: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
| July 29 | Rodriguez: 7–9 a.m. | Galindo: 10:30–12:30 p.m. |
Volunteer!
Buford needs some volunteer buddies! We will need volunteers to hand out books to Austin ISD families. Volunteers assist in choosing the books and handing them to the families through the vehicle window. Use the sign up button below to review the available slots and sign up. Thank you!
Buford the Book Bus Mission and Rationale:
- Mission: Buford’s mission is to encourage and increase summer reading by providing new, high-interest books to students who have limited access to reading materials during the summer.
- Rationale: Research has shown that reading just five books can protect students from a drop in reading levels known as the "summer slide", which disproportionately affects lower-income students (Alexander, Entwisle, & Olson, 2007; Kim, 2004).
- Summer Slide: The effects of the summer slide are cumulative, and can have serious consequences. As much as 85% of the reading achievement gap between lower-income students and their middle- and upper-income peers can be attributed to the summer slide (Allington & McGill-Frasen, 2009).
- Year Round Reading: By creating the opportunity for children to receive high-interest books of their own, the Buford the Book Bus program strives to prevent the summer slide and encourage reading year round.
Our Partners
Buford the Book Bus is a program of Austin ISD Libraries, proudly supporting literacy in AISD with a certified school librarian at every campus.
We're happy to be working with our partner in literacy, Austin Public Library. Learn more about APL's free summer reading program.
Many thanks to our flagship sponsor, the Assistance League of Austin. Learn more about this wonderful organization!
AISD Food Services will distribute free 7-day meal packs on Thursdays at multiple locations all summer. Learn More >