Tekoa High library adds study hall

When school resumes later this month, the students at Tekoa High School will have a new option available to them.

Librarian Ted Blaszak told the Gazette he plans to have the library at the school open Monday through Friday from 6:45 to 8:10 a.m. so that students can use it before school begins.

“The library is really underused,” said Blaszak. “It's basically used as a supply closet.”

Blaszak hopes to turn it into a before-school study hall, noting that a vast majority of students are booked with activities and responsibilities after school. He noted many arrive at the school building well before the school day begins.

“You come into school, and you can sit and read or do your homework quietly,” Blaszak said of the students' options. “They can sit and read and enjoy a nice snack. I want to inspire kids to read and earn the power of the knowledge that comes with it.”

Blaszak said he plans to have snacks, coffee and juice available for the students at the before school study hall each day.

“Today's kids, they all drink coffee,” he said.

He is also looking for some help to make this a reality.

“We need people to donate books that would be good readers for teenagers, and some good comfy teenager chairs,” said Blaszak. “And we need volunteers.”

Blaszak is hoping to have enough volunteers to be able to have them each take one day per week and to have two for each day. He said the library is also in need of either a couple of Kindles or the funds for a couple of Kindles.

“The kids got real excited about this,” commented Blaszak. “The school has been wonderful and appreciative of citizens helping.”