Contributed Photo
Ansonia High School students watch as Mead first graders Oliva Surreira and Israel Ruiz put books into the Little Library outside Mead School on May 20.
ANSONIA – Making a community of readers by building Little Libraries for each school finally became a reality on May 20. Ansonia High students, who helped build the wooden shelving units complete with shingled roofs, visited the four schools with new and “gently used” books to put into the sharing libraries.
Eight students enrolled in the Technology Education class, taught by Salvatore Calcasola, were greeted by smiling faces and enthusiasm at Mead School, Prendergast School, and the Ansonia Middle School. Students from each of the K‑8 schools helped their older peers line the shelves with books donated by AHS staff and students.
The project originated with retired AHS Technology Education teacher, Ed Nicefaro. During the 2019 – 2020 school year, Mr. Nicefaro’s students drafted and designed the Little Libraries; however, the sudden school closures in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic halted the project. This year, Mr. Calcasola and his students were more than eager to complete the project. The Ansonia Public Schools Maintenance Department installed the Little Libraries at each school.
AHS Principal Paul Giansanti spoke about the importance of a project that engaged AHS students in a hands-on project that makes an immediate and long-lasting connection with the community. “This is a great project, which also encourages and fosters a love of reading,” he said.
Dr. Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Schools, lauded the students on their work. “I love the fact that it is all student generated: built by students to help the next generation of student readers,” he said. “It’s a perfect example of how our students care and support one another.”
The AHS students who enjoyed interacting with their former principals and teachers on May 20 were Dylan Ellison, Addyson Izzo, Elion Kukaj, Nick Martinez, James Mikita, Andy Peralta, Josiah Pratts and Kenny Rivera.
The Little Libraries are located at the front of these schools: Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway; Ansonia Middle School, 115 Howard Avenue; John G. Prendergast School, 59 Finney Street; and John C. Mead School, 75 Ford Street. A fifth unit is in front of the Robert E. Zuraw Administrative Building, the district’s Central Office at 42 Grove Street.
Students and members of the Ansonia community are encouraged to take a book or donate a book. The Little Libraries are open every day.
Information from a press release sent by Ansonia Public Schools.
