Eagle Exchange Program

Published January 21, 2010

A program called Eagle Exchange is getting students at Heritage Elementary School excited about reading.

Each year during the months of January and February, students at Heritage Elementary are asked to bring in gently-used books that they no longer read. The books are then taken to the library where they are sorted according to reading level and given a special stamp. In March, the books are placed on special bookcases in each hallway so that students can pick and choose which ones they'd like to keep.

"I tell the students they can keep the books forever," said Heritage Elementary teacher Diana Wedgewood. "We just thought this would be a good way to get more books into children's homes and into our library."

Wedgewood came up with the idea for the book drive several years ago. She says it continues to grow each year. In fact, the school has recycled over 4,000 books through the Eagle Exchange program.

"It's just really exciting because the kids look forward to it," said Wedgwood. "As soon as those books are put out there is a swarm of kids around the bookcase taking them home. And it's so wonderful to hear the kids say, 'I can't wait to get another book.'"

The school began a new tradition last year when it partnered with Heritage Middle School. Students there collected nearly 900 books for the Eagle Exchange program. This year, the students at HMS are even planning to create a video to publicize the program during their morning announcements.

"We are so appreciative to all of the teachers, parents and students at both schools who are supporting our Eagle Exchange," said Wedgewood. "In addition to supplying books, we are forging wonderful connections between Heritage Elementary and Heritage Middle."

Anyone wishing to donate gently-used books to the Eagle Exchange program can drop them off at Heritage Elementary or Heritage Middle during regular school hours.