Albuquerque Public Schools
Edward Gonzales Students Discover the Power of Libraries
Field trips to Westgate Library help students get library cards, explore resources and bring more books home.
Students at Edward Gonzales Elementary School are building strong reading habits thanks to a growing partnership with Westgate Public Library.
This year, third and fourth-grade students visited the library through the Thomason Transportation Program, which provides free bus transportation for educational field trips. During their visits, students received their own public library cards and participated in engaging activities planned by Westgate librarians Josh Ronsenquest and Debbie Maestas.
The field trips included a tour of the library, lessons on using the digital library system, a hands-on science experiment, and time for students to browse and check out books.
The partnership is already making an impact beyond the school day. Edward Gonzales Elementary has installed a public library book drop on campus, and Westgate librarians report that many students are now visiting the library with their families to check out books and participate in free after-school programs.
School leaders say the collaboration is helping connect students with valuable literacy resources while encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Staff at Edward Gonzales and Westgate Library are continuing to explore ways to expand the partnership and put even more books into students’ hands and homes in the years ahead.
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About APS Community Schools
With almost 70 Community Schools across the district, APS and the ABC Community School Partnership are building a network of schools that serve as community hubs. By weaving together rigorous classroom instruction, expanded learning opportunities, integrated support systems, and the voices of families and students in decision-making, these schools create conditions where every child can learn, grow and thrive.