Growing Up Reading: We upgraded libraries and installed book and game booths in three schools within the AEVL network, creating inclusive spaces that promote reading, literacy, and cultural citizenship.
The Vieira de Leiria School Group is launching the "Growing Up Reading" campaign, an innovative project that aims to transform students' relationship with books, reading, digital literacy, and cultural practices at school.
The campaign has three main areas of focus:
1. Upgrading of School Libraries
Two libraries (EB1 Praia da Vieira and EB1 António Vitorino), along with the library of the José Loureiro Botas Secondary School, will be renovated to become modern, welcoming, and educational Resource Centers .
The redevelopment includes:
- new environments for reading, studying and multimedia;
- Modular and inclusive furniture;
- updating the documentary collection;
2. Installation of Reading and Games Booths
Reading/game booths will be implemented in several schools within the group—accessible and safe outdoor structures inspired by the book crossing concept, where everyone can:
- read freely,
- exchange books,
- play educational board games,
- to find moments of tranquility and discovery.
The booths reinforce informal reading, community spirit, and equitable access to knowledge, providing cultural environments in any space within the school.
3. Creation of 8 Reading Points and Dynamization of Board Games
In addition to the booths, 8 Reading Points will be created, distributed across different schools, with accessible mini-libraries, furniture, signage and attractive materials.
Board games are integrated into the project as tools for literacy and critical thinking, developing:
- interpretation of rules,
- communication and cooperation,
- problem solving,
- memory, logic and strategy.
- Technology integration: digital screens, tablets, and interactive features .
These libraries become spaces that promote creativity, research, expression, collaboration, and digital literacy.
Reading is a key factor for academic success, language development, and social inclusion. However, several spaces within the school district are ill-suited to current needs, hindering access to books, technology, and stimulating learning environments.
With this campaign, we are:
- to reduce inequalities in access to books and technology;
- Create spaces where everyone reads, explores, discovers, and plays;
- To take reading outside the library and to the entire educational community;
- To build a modern, inclusive, and inspiring literacy culture.
The Growing Up Reading campaign aims to involve families, teachers, students, cultural partners, and citizens. Every contribution—financial, in the form of books, volunteering, or spreading the word—directly transforms the future of hundreds of children and young people.
We are planting renovated libraries, reading booths and cultural spaces, but above all we are cultivating readers, thinkers and citizens .
About the author
The Vieira de Leiria School Group (AEVL) is a public educational institution that covers the entire geographical area of the parish of Vieira de Leiria, also welcoming students from Carvide, Monte Real and Monte Redondo. Located in a territory marked by its proximity to the sea, dunes and the Leiria National Forest, the AEVL benefits from a strong sense of community and an educational identity focused on inclusion, culture and the integral development of students.
The school cluster integrates all levels of education — from preschool to secondary education — offering complete, coherent, and articulated educational pathways. It comprises kindergartens, primary schools, and the José Loureiro Botas Secondary School, the cluster's headquarters, all of which are evaluated within the framework of the External Evaluation of Schools.
The AEVL's educational vision is innovative and student-centered , promoting academic, personal, and social development through collaborative practices among teachers, students, operational assistants, families, and local partners. Institutional quality is recognized by External Evaluation, which awarded the group ratings of "Very Good" in Self-Assessment and in Leadership and Management , and "Good" in Results , demonstrating pedagogical consistency and a solid and effective organizational culture.
AEVL also stands out for its strong commitment to structuring projects in the areas of literacy, sustainability, culture and citizenship, namely:
- Eco-Schools , with regular environmental awareness activities;
- Escola Azul , which promotes ocean literacy, science, and citizenship;
- Erasmus+ , promoting mobility, innovation and internationalization;
- Clubs, blogs, reading circles, and multiple initiatives to engage students and the community .
This dynamic reveals a group with a markedly inclusive, innovative trajectory that promotes cultural citizenship , creating privileged conditions to implement projects with a significant educational impact, such as Growing Up Reading — Spaces, Books and Reading Skills .
AEVL thus brings together the human, technical, pedagogical and community resources necessary to guarantee the success of this project, reinforcing the role of libraries and reading spaces as drivers of learning, creativity and equity.
Budget and due dates
The refurbishment of each library involves carrying out the steps indicated below, with an estimated cost of approximately €17,900. This will allow for the reconfiguration of spaces, the acquisition of furniture and equipment, and the implementation of promotional activities, monitoring, and ensuring the sustainability of the project.
|
Step
|
Description
|
Value
|
|
1
|
Diagnosis and Co-construction of Vision
|
450€
|
|
2
|
Refurbishment of School Libraries
|
7000€
|
|
3
|
Interactive touch panel (3 units)
|
9000€
|
|
4
|
Dynamization, Monitoring and Sustainability
|
750€
|
|
5
|
Board Games
|
700€
|
|
Total: €17,900
|
|
|
The installation of the reading/game booths presupposes the definition of the model and its production with the support of students from the Professional Course in Electronics and Automation (Design) and the involvement of local or regional industry. The estimated cost for each booth is €4850.
|
Step
|
Description
|
Value
|
|
1
|
Diagnosis and Consulting
|
600 €
|
|
2
|
Materials and equipment
|
250€
|
|
3
|
Construction and Installation of Book Booths
|
3750€
|
|
4
|
Dynamization, Monitoring and Sustainability
|
250€
|
|
Total: €4,850
|
|
|
The estimated total budget for the refurbishment of the libraries and the installation of three book booths is € 32,450 .
Engaging in contextual learning activities provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote meaningful learning through immersive experiences.
The coordination of activities will be ensured by the Teacher-Librarian in close collaboration with teachers, students, non-teaching staff, parents and guardians, as well as local partners. This group will be responsible for defining an activity plan focused on reading skills, promoting interdisciplinary approaches across various curriculum areas.
The creation of zones and spaces will allow for the development of research activities, investigative work, and projects, involving subjects such as Portuguese, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, English, Physical Education, and Artistic Expression.
