CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For some families, purchasing books isn't a priority when money is tight.
But thanks to help from a teachers union, students at a local elementary school are expanding their home libraries.
The Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers is encouraging students at Zavala Elementary to read.
"Our school is a Title I school and in our school our students are in great need of books that they can take home and make their own home libraries,” Zavala principal Judith Hinojosa said.
With the help of a $16,000 grant from the Corpus Christi AFT, students will be able to pick out the books of their choice with their teachers.
“Reading helps you get smarter,” student Matthew Garza said.
Now, the school's biggest focus is making sure every student is reading at their grade level.
"We really want to ensure that our students have the love of reading,” Hinojosa said. “And the only way they can have the love of reading is if they start reading books that they're interested in."
With this grant students will be able to take home four books apiece for their at-home library.
The grant is not only benefitting the kids in the classroom, but by bringing books into their homes they can continue the learning process with their families.
"We're trying to help our parents with the resources they need in order to help their children,” Hinojosa said.
The presentation for the grant is underway at the Zavala Elementary School library.
