Landmark Medical Center Imaging
Sabina Matos

At Cumberland High School: Additions to the library to encourage reading

Ellah Casson
Ellah Casson, Cumberland High School

Have you been keeping up with the CHS library? It’s a welcoming environment, whether you’re browsing for a new book, need a quiet place to decompress, or are visiting to meet one of the therapy dogs during flex block. The library has been pretty busy this year. 

Recently, the CHS library was awarded a 2026 LORI Mini-Grant of $4,000. The LORI grants are funded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act. Our librarian, Ms. Tarr, says she hopes she can increase the amount of independent reading for incoming CHS students by using the money to support the purchases of new reading, display, and signage materials.  

With a drop in literacy rates, Ms. Tarr hopes she can encourage students to engage in independent reading. The CHS library has access to all books through the state by being a part of the interlibrary loan. If you’re trying to find a book or genre not on the shelves, don’t be afraid to ask our librarians, as being a part of this program allows them to order any books from other school libraries by crossdistricting. 

If you aren’t spending your time browsing for books in the library, you can submit this form to be added to the waitlist of the Therapy dog flex block. When you reach the top you will automatically be assigned in your smartpass. The therapy dogs are a great way to give yourself a break in the middle of the school day. 

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with one of the dogs, Borris. He was a rescue dog originally living in Hawaii. He completed an internship at CHS last year and received his credentials to become a therapy dog by  Windwalker Professional Pet Assisted Therapy. We played games like tic-tac-toe with him, but he seemed more interested in the treats than trying to win against us. 

The CHS library has been buzzing and I wouldn’t want to miss out on these opportunities. So, when you have the chance, pop into the library and see what kind of activities they have lined up, or new books they have.