SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Children entering the library at Greenfield Elementary Friday found a pleasantly relaxing surprise.
New beanbag chairs, padded stools and carpet appeared in a cozy corner of the Summerside school.
"It'll be fun to read. You'll have such a comfy spot," said Grade 6 student Colby Andrews, as he parked himself in one of the chairs.
"It's actually awesome. It's our first time having beanbags in this library and it will make reading more fun," added classmate Emma Arsenault.
The chairs and carpet were donated by the Three Oaks Senior High School (TOSH) Pay it Backwards program.
Every year, TOSH students and teachers donate items meant to help literacy or numeracy to a rotating list of the six facilities in their family of schools.
The money comes from some of the high school's major fundraisers, including the annual Christmas Craft Fair.
Jadyn Gallant, TOSH Student Government president, and Amber Dyer, TOSH Student Leadership Council president, helped deliver the new items on Friday.
"I know for myself sitting at a desk all day just gets boring and I just have to get up and move. This just gives kids another place to sit and be comfy and read," said Dyer.
Lisa Hutchinson, Greenfield teacher/librarian, picked out the new gear and plans to use it as the focal point for a new reading corner. They intend to add some plants, lighting, shelving and some other amenities to make it attractive for the kids to relax and pick up a book.
"It's cozy, it's inviting, it's going to be a very popular area," said Hutchinson.
"It's more natural for reading. If you're trying to create life-long readers you want students to have that (experience)," she said
