Escamilla Elementary Unveils New Yellow Library, Expanding Students’ Access to Books

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Escamilla Elementary students have more stories to discover with the unveiling of the school’s new Yellow Library.

Abigail Moragne, regional marketing and philanthropic manager for Kendra Scott, engages with Escamilla Elementary students during the Yellow Library unveiling Friday, Oct. 2.

The school unveiled the library Friday, Oct. 2, giving students access to a new collection of bilingual and multicultural books and more opportunities to explore new stories and experiences through reading.

Student Ada Cabrera enjoyed hearing “Remarkably You” during the unveiling and said its message stuck with her.

“I liked when they read the book to us, and now I want to read it,” Cabrera said. “The book said that we can do whatever it is we want. It was so cool being here.”

Escamilla was selected for the Kendra Scott Foundation’s Yellow Library after applying for the program. The program serves eligible Title I elementary schools through a partnership with First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides books and educational resources to children and schools in underserved communities.

The campus received a starter collection of chapter books, graphic novels and picture books that students could begin checking out immediately following the unveiling. Escamilla also received $2,000 to purchase additional books through First Book’s marketplace, which will allow the campus to add more than 400 books to its library collection.

Students will be able to find the new books on a custom yellow bookshelf in the school library.

Escamilla Information Literacy Specialist Monica Loas sees the additional books as an opportunity to meet a need that already exists on campus. Escamilla is home to one of Aldine ISD’s two-way dual-language programs, and bilingual books are in high demand among students.

“Our bilingual books are always checked out, which shows how many more we need,” Loas said.

Angel Borjas said one of his favorite books is “All About Lionel Messi: A Kid’s Guide to the Greatest Champion of All Time.”

“It shows me how Messi played professional soccer, so I can get better when I get older,” Borjas said.

Loas said having books available in both English and Spanish can also help students who are learning English build vocabulary and strengthen their understanding in both languages. The new books also come at a time when Escamilla continues to grow its elementary library collection after transitioning from an intermediate and middle school campus eight years ago.

Principal Susan Rehan said the Yellow Library will build on the campus’ literacy efforts. The unveiling also took place during Hispanic Heritage Month, which made the timing especially meaningful for the campus.

“We know that books have the power to give new experiences and provide curiosity for our students,” Rehan said.

Bethany Teller, store manager for Kendra Scott at CITYCENTRE, reads “Remarkably You” to Escamilla Elementary students during the Yellow Library unveiling.

During the celebration, Bethany Teller, store manager for Kendra Scott at CITYCENTRE, read “Remarkably You” to students. The book celebrates individuality and encourages children to embrace what makes them unique.

The Kendra Scott Foundation leads the Yellow Library program, with H-E-B supporting the effort through its Read 3 initiative. Both organizations work with First Book to help provide books to participating schools.

Abigail Moragne, regional marketing and philanthropic manager for Kendra Scott, said the Yellow Library provides students with additional books and reading opportunities.

“Students will have access to brand-new, diverse, bilingual, and multicultural books so that every student can picture themselves in the books that they read,” Moragne said.

Lacey Dalcour, public affairs manager for H-E-B, spoke about the company’s commitment to supporting schools and communities across Texas.

“At H-E-B, we have a deep, deep-rooted commitment to giving back to Texas communities, specifically in the communities that we serve,” Dalcour said. “It’s another reason why we support schools because we have a very aligned mission. Education is such a key to the success of our country and your futures.”

Escamilla Elementary and Aldine ISD staff join representatives from the Kendra Scott Foundation, H-E-B and First Book to celebrate the school’s new Yellow Library and a $1,000 donation to support literacy initiatives.

Escamilla also received an additional $1,000 to support literacy incentives on campus.

Loas hopes the impact of the Yellow Library will extend beyond adding new books to the shelves by encouraging students to stay curious, continue learning and develop a lasting love of reading.

“This grant is not just about adding books to our shelves,” Loas said. “It is about building connections, encouraging understanding, and helping our students become lifelong learners and active global citizens.”