Smith Elementary’s library offers a permanent way for parents to honor their children with a book in the library.

“The Birthday Book Club is a fun, long-lasting, unique way to celebrate students,” Library Specialist Sheila Hurst said.

Each book purchased for the Birthday Book Club has a special balloon label on the spine.

To participate in the Birthday Book Club, students choose a title from a list of books teachers have requested be added to the library.

Then parents may purchase that book and dedicate it to their child in honor of their birthday, or any special occasion.

“I love it because kids are excited to choose something that is theirs,” Hurst said. 

Parents get to include a photo of their choosing that will be placed inside the book’s cover along with their child’s name, birthday and the school year in which it was purchased. The dedication will stay in the book for the duration of its life in the library.

The librarian will deliver the personalized book to the student who will be the first to check it out.

“When the child is done enjoying it, they return it to the library and it will be added to our collection for everyone at Smith to enjoy,” Hurst said. “Several of them even check their books out year after year.”

Hurst said that she even has high school students return to visit the Smith Elementary library to look for their Birthday Book.

Patricia Celis, the campus receptionist at Wylie High, purchased her son, WHS junior Nicholas Celis, a Birthday Book when he was in fourth grade at Smith.

Wylie High School junior Nicholas Celis received a Birthday Book, “Shipwreck Island,” when he was in fourth grade at Smith.

Wylie ISD Communications surprised him in his choir class at WHS with his book.

“I’m so shocked,” Celis said. “I completely forgot about doing this. I used to struggle with reading, so I grabbed every book I could get my hands on.”

The Birthday Book Club helps libraries build their book collection while helping students read more. 

“I love that they can go back to their Birthday Books and remember those special times,” Hurst said.

Wylie High sophomore Livian Nesbit had forgotten about her Birthday Book, “Trapped,” and was excited to take a trip down memory lane. Wylie East freshman Parker Brunson remembered his Birthday Book. He said “Super Fly Guy” is still his favorite book!

To purchase a book for the Birthday Book Club, visit the library/media services page on Smith Elementary’s webpage.