This summer (June 14-Jul 31), after finishing a book, Tift County residents will have an opportunity to raise book-buying money for their public school of choice by passing a test at the “Points for Books” media center location at the Tifton-Tift County Public Library.

     The media center features a computer program, “Accelerated Reader,” designed to present readers a 20-questions, multiple-choice test.

     “If you pass, you get points.  Each point is worth 50 cents.  Points are based on the scale of the book,” said Mike Brumby, who heads the educational foundation.

     Point records will be kept at the downtown library and data concerning each school’s progress will be released weekly through local radio and newspaper.

     In 1996, the program was introduced to Charles Spencer; Len Lastinger, Northside and the Junior High.

     According to Terry Nalls, media specialist at Charles Spencer, “Accelerated Reader” has motivated kids to read.  Now they are wanting to read all the time.”

     Nalls said circulation at the Spencer library has at least doubled since last year.

     She attributed part of the increase, however, to the school’s older studentbody.  Last year Spencer switched from grades K through 4, to 4 through 6.

     In 1999, “Accelerated Reader” is part of almost  every Tift County school’s curriculum.

     In reference to the popularity of the program at Spencer, Brumby said, “Kids are knocking you down in the hall to get to the media center to take the test.  Students are waiting in line at the door to take the test.”

     In the summer of 1997, the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence received permission to introduce “Accelerated Reader” to the Tifton-Tift County Public Library.

     Since 1996, the public library’s circulation has increased 45 percent and Iowa Test scores among third graders are up 8.5 percent and among fifth graders, 10.9 percent.

     Brumby attributes much of this improvement to the AR program.

     “This summer is the perfect time of year for reading,” said Brumby.  “We hope people of all ages will come out and take the test and earn money for school libraries.”