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Devereux MA/RI’s enhanced school library inspires a love of reading in students

“The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world.”
– Rita Dove, poet

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently enhanced its school library, creating a calm and comfortable space for students to read and check out books.

In addition to many new book titles geared toward students’ interests, the library now features bean bag chairs and pillows, a white noise machine that plays soothing sounds, decorative plants and updated lighting.

“We wanted to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for our students to enjoy,” said Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Education Director Katherine Flynn, M.S.Ed. “When our kids first saw the enhancements, they said, ‘Wow, this is really cool!’ Beautiful murals cover the walls. The library also features interactive chalkboard walls that students can write on to express their individuality.”

A place to learn, grow

Classrooms can reserve the library for one hour each day. Students are in charge of signing out books for themselves, one at a time.

“Our library is a place where students can learn and grow,” explained Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CGAS, LMHC, LADC-I. “When our youth are in the library, they are respectful of others. In addition, they are learning the importance of being responsible by taking care of the space and the books they check out.”

Flynn also noted, “We have a program where our older students read to our younger students. Older students not only develop their skills as readers, but they also serve as role models to the younger ones who may say, ‘Reading is fun! I want to check out a book too!’ There is always something new to discover in the pages of a book, and our goal is to inspire a love of reading in our students.”

Learn more about Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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