Libraries have a reputation for being quiet spaces, but during lunchtime the Stewart Middle School library is filled with students writing, making art, playing games, and discussing the Project Lit book of the month. 

Project Lit is a student-driven national grassroots literacy movement that aims to increase access to culturally relevant books and promote a love of reading in schools and communities. Each Friday, stations are set up in the library during lunchtime to give students an opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and engage with books in a hands-on way.  

“It's a really good way to meet other students,” seventh-grade student Zephrum Cornejlo-Hardridge said. “I like being a part of it and helping other students.” 

Zephrum is one of the students who helped Librarian Carinna Tarvin start Project Lit at Stewart. “We thought it would be fun for people to come up to the library and interact with books in a fun way,” he said. 

This is Carinna Tarvin's first year as Stewart’s librarian, but she’s been teaching for more than fifteen years. Before coming to Stewart, Tarvin taught history at Lincoln High School and said she was inspired by how Project Lit impacted students at Lincoln.  

“I wanted to bring some of that to Stewart and give students a fun and safe space where they can choose how to spend their time,” she said. “We’ve had hundreds of kids participate and they really enjoy it. It’s great to see so many students excited to come to the library and interact with each other in a different environment.” 

During lunch on a chilly Friday, more than ninety students joined in on the fun and visited stations related to December’s book of the month, A Wish in the Dark. 

“It’s helped us be social and meet new people,” eighth-grade student Tracy Gichuru said while she braided a colorful bracelet. “Everybody can find something they like to do, and I like that it involves a lot of creativity.” 

Tarvin said one of her goals for Project Lit is to have more opportunities for students to engage with and learn from the Stewart community. 

“I really want the community to know this is their library and I want to hear their ideas,” she said. “The library is the pulsing, joyful, vibrant hub of this building and I would love to have that be true for the community as well.”