Bitz Intermediate School Unveils 'Give One, Take One' Lending Library
Bitz Intermediate School celebrated gratitude and the love of reading this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new "Give One, Take One" Lending Library, an initiative created and built by third-grade teacher Jasmine Lawrence and her husband, Steven Lawrence.
The community-based library allows students to borrow books or donate them for others to enjoy, aiming to ensure every child has access to reading materials.
"What makes this special isn’t just the books — it’s the community," Jasmine Lawrence said during the event. "Every time you choose, borrow, read and share, you’re helping to grow something bigger. This is our library — made for students, and for the love of stories."
The ceremony tied into the school's Gator Character Trait of the Month: Gratitude. Each homeroom's Gator of the Month — students selected for modeling gratitude — served as ambassadors, attending the event and learning how to spread the library's message to peers.
Before the ribbon cutting, Lawrence read aloud from "Humble Pie," a book emphasizing kindness, humility and appreciation. She then charged students with teaching others about the library and the value of sharing stories.
School administrators Dr. Andre Whitfield and Tawana Liz honored the Lawrences with awards for their creativity and commitment. Gators of the Month joined Jasmine Lawrence in cutting the ribbon, drawing cheers as students viewed the colorful shelves.
The library stands as a symbol of Bitz's culture of gratitude, leadership and lifelong learning, fostering a shared love of reading among the school's military-connected students.
