Archipelago of Lesbos

In the city of Augsburg, an innovative project named Reading Island is revolutionizing the way elementary and middle schools approach literacy. This mini city library, professionally linked to the city library, offers a lovingly designed environment that encourages browsing, discovery, and lingering.

The project, which is found in various schools across the city, has seen significant success. The Reading Island at Kriegshaber Elementary School has taken the top spot nationwide, with an impressive 7,407 loans in 2024. Close behind, the Reading Island at Westpark Elementary School ranks 16th with 2,575 loans, and Bleriot Elementary School follows in 17th place with 2,525 loans. Fröbel Elementary School ranks fourth with 4,194 loans.

The school library service center of the education department provides professional advice on building up the collection for the Reading Islands, ensuring a wide variety of materials are available for students. The city library plays a central role in the conception, care, and further development of the Reading Islands.

The evaluation of the Reading Islands is based on annual loan numbers, showcasing the project's impact on students' reading habits. Students can even use the same media system in the Reading Island and borrow materials from the city library using their library card, making access to literature seamless.

The Reading Islands project is supported by the voluntary commitment and significant backing of the "Friends of Augsburg City Library e.V." association, as well as advice from the networkLESEN (Augsburg Schools Network for Reading Promotion).

The project has expanded to include additional schools such as Birkenau Elementary School, Herrenbach Elementary and Middle School, Vor dem Roten Tor Elementary School, Wittelsbach Elementary School, Kerschensteiner Elementary and Middle School, Löweneck Elementary School, St.-Georg Elementary and Middle School, Werner-Egk Elementary School, and Westpark School. The Reading Islands project school libraries are also offered in the city of Herrenberg.

For more information about the Reading Islands, please visit www.leseinsel-unser-website.de. This project is more than just a library; it's a testament to the power of reading and the commitment of Augsburg's educational institutions to fostering a love for literacy among its students.