If a student wants to learn more about books or share knowledge of books, or if books are just enjoyable, come join the Reading Rocks! Reading Rocks is a club available to everyone at Rock Island High School. The students in Reading Rocks, along with Mrs. Mendelin and Mrs. Curtiss, the librarians behind the club, share with each other the enjoyment of everything that has to do with books and reading. Both of the two love their jobs as librarians, and are happy to share something they love with the students at Rocky. “I love being a part of Reading Rocks! It’s so great to get to know a variety of Rocky students who have one thing in common — a love of reading,” states Mrs. Mendelin.
Everyone is welcome in Reading Rocks. Students are able to share their stories about their favorite books, or can get recommendations from their fellow classmates and librarians, who have all sorts of book suggestions that can fit what anyone is looking for. “I love coming to work. My journey as a library paraprofessional at Rocky has been so fulfilling,” says Mrs. Curtiss.
Occasionally, the Reading Rocks members meet to talk about books, usually from the Abraham Lincoln Award list, which is a list of books that encourage students to become avid readers, and just for them to enjoy. The members have friendly discussions about the books, and the space provides a sense of community, where anyone can share their opinion on what they thought of the book. “I love when we get into a discussion that gives me insight into the group members as people. I also love it when we have friendly disagreements about the books we read,” says Mrs. Mendelin. Sometimes, students have differing opinions on the books that they have read, and that’s ok. Reading Rocks is a place where students can express those opinions with others, and they can bond over the similarity of their opinions, or even differences of their opinions.
Mrs. Curtiss and Mrs. Mendelin also enjoy learning about the students, as well. “My favorite part is hearing all the different perspectives people have about the same book! I especially love to listen to and be a part of disagreements, because the club is an accepting environment. When our ideas clash, that’s when we see how much respect we have for each other,” shares Mrs. Curtiss. Friendly disagreements are a part of discussions that all Reading Rocks members love because everyone gets to hear about all the different perspectives or ideas of the book that they themselves may have not thought of.
Some students might find difficulty when deciding to join a club or do sports, and they can’t really find anything that fits what they are looking for. “Reading Rocks is open to all students, and it meets during the day, which makes it great for everyone, even very busy people. It is flexible, so students can come when it fits their schedule. Members don’t have to attend every meeting. Anyone can join at any time,” says Mrs. Mendelin. Being a part of the Reading Rocks can help students find a new hobby, or really enjoy something that they never would have thought was enjoyable for them. “Over the years, I have heard MANY people say, ‘Kids don’t read books anymore,’ and it is my great pleasure to disagree and provide proof from the life of this book club. We used to say, ‘If you read, you are a READING ROCK.’ One of the things I have found gratifying about the book club is that we are open to everyone that reads. The diversity of thought, age, gender, interests, and everything else is what makes us a unique and welcoming place,” states Mrs. Curtiss. The goal of Reading Rocks is that all students are welcome, and know that the club is a book haven where they can share their love of reading and books. And, to also meet people who share the same interests as them, also. “I love that this club is open to any student at Rocky. It represents a diverse array of students across grade levels, social groups and interests. People get to meet others that they might not never have met. It is a safe place to share ideas and get to know others. It’s awesome to talk about books with other readers!” expresses Mrs. Mendelin. Both Mrs. Curtiss and Mrs. Mendelin hope to provide students with a place where their love of reading, books, ideas, and opinions are welcome.
