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The staff of U.S. First District Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-Kingsport) visited Bulls Gap School to deliver donated books from the Library of Congress and learn about the school’s “Free Little Library” and “Reading Buddies” program.

“The Library of Congress Surplus Books Program is a blessing for schools throughout East Tennessee, including Bulls Gap School, who signed up to receive surplus books through my office’s partnership,” a statement by Harshbarger said. “Bulls Gap School’s ‘Free Little Library’ and ‘Reading Buddies’ initiatives are just two examples of unique and innovating programs offered by Bulls Gap that these books will help support. I recognize the dedicated effort from Bulls Gap’s teachers and faculty to equip our next generation with the best educational resources available. I also appreciate School Librarian Kristy Riley’s commitment to fill every single shelf with books to help return excitement back to reading through a vast option of age-appropriate reading materials.”

The surplus book donation on behalf of Harshbarger’s office will support filling the shelves of Bulls Gap’s library, the school’s active “Reading Buddies” program and the school’s “Free Little Library.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the “Reading Buddies” meet prior to the beginning of the school day, where middle school “mentors” read with elementary school students to assist increasing their literacy and reading comprehension levels through ‘outside the classroom’ efforts.

Located in the main lobby of Bulls Gap School, the “Free Little Library” is a resource for both students and their parents who seek to promote a love for reading outside of school hours. Harshbarger’s office has delivered thousands of books throughout East Tennessee, fulfilling requests from libraries, schools, nonprofits and qualifying early childhood and senior centers.

Eligibility requirements include one of the following:

Full-time, tax-supported or nonprofit educational institutions, such as schools, school systems, libraries, childcare or early learning centers, colleges, universities or museums. Also, agencies of local, state or federal governments are eligible. For more information, contact Harshbarger’s office.