Education

This summer, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is taking a proactive approach to keeping young minds engaged with reading—even after the school year ends. The CFISD Mobile Library, a cheerful, book-filled bus, is making regular stops across the community to bring books, snacks, and storytime directly to students.

Designed to promote literacy and the joy of reading, the Mobile Library initiative is part of CFISD’s broader commitment to educational enrichment and accessibility. The program runs from June 9 to July 31, 2025, with a brief pause on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

A Library on Wheels for the Community

Far more than just a bus loaded with books, the CFISD Mobile Library is a traveling resource center, complete with trained library staff who help students select and check out books tailored to their reading levels and interests. At each stop, students can:

• Check out books
• Receive free books to build their personal libraries
• Enjoy snacks
• Participate in engaging storytime sessions

From the outside, it may look like a regular school bus—but inside, it’s a vibrant, welcoming space for literacy and learning. Whether it’s helping a child find their next favorite read or offering a moment of imagination during a narrated story, the Mobile Library makes reading both fun and accessible.

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Why Summer Reading Matters

Summer reading isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Studies show that children who don’t read over summer break can lose up to two months of reading skills, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide,” according to the National Summer Learning Association. This loss is even more pronounced in students without regular access to books at home.

Research from the Brookings Institution highlights that these setbacks are cumulative and can significantly widen achievement gaps by the time students reach high school. On the positive side, a report by Scholastic found that 92% of kids say summer reading helps them feel ready for the new school year.

By delivering books and storytime directly into neighborhoods, the CFISD Mobile Library helps children stay sharp, motivated, and excited about learning—all summer long.

Summer 2025 CFISD Mobile Library Schedule

June 9 – July 3, 2025

Stops align with CFISD’s Community FREE Lunch & Camps, including Summit and Explorer/ESY Support:

• Monday: Walker Elementary School, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MAP)

• Tuesday: Birkes Elementary School, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MAP)

• Wednesday: Bane Elementary School, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MAP)

• Thursday: Lieder Elementary School, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MAP)

Note: The Mobile Library will not operate on Thursday, June 19

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July 7 – 31, 2025

Serving additional locations, including Birkes (ESY) and Cy Lakes (athletics), the Mobile Library shifts to more community-centered destinations:

• Monday: Yaupon Ranch Pool, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (MAP)

  Telge Park (12400 Pleasant Grove Rd), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (MAP)

• Tuesday: Birkes Elementary School, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MAP)

• Wednesday: Bane Elementary School, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (MAP)

  Chimney Hill Community Center (13720 Smokey Trail), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (MAP)

• Thursday: Cy Lakes High School, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MAP)
  Glencairn Community Center (17136 Keith Harrow Blvd), 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (MAP)

Fueling a Love for Literacy

For many families in the CFISD area, especially those without easy access to traditional libraries, the Mobile Library is a game-changer. It bridges the summer learning gap by encouraging kids to keep reading and learning outside of the classroom.

CFISD library staff say the goal is to foster a lifelong love of books. Each book handed out, each smile shared during storytime, and each moment spent flipping through pages helps build not just literacy skills, but a strong educational foundation for the future.

As the wheels keep turning and the stories keep coming, families are encouraged to stop by a Mobile Library location near them this summer. It’s free, fun, and full of imagination.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.