New “literacy bus” coming to Tuscaloosa schools

All aboard! Tuscaloosa City Schools is getting a “literacy bus,” providing a fun new way to read and learn. Here’s what you need to know.

Tuscaloosa’s new literacy bus will encourage learning + reading

To get the mobile literacy bus on the road, Tuscaloosa City Schools will transform one of its existing school buses. The fun, colorful exterior will boldly display what the bus is all about—books!

“It’s very important that all children are reading, and for them to see reading or literacy as a task, but a skill and that they love to read, because we know that reading takes our children further.”

 Terri Byrts, director of student literacy, Tuscaloosa City Schools (Tuscaloosa City Schools)

The bus will have several features that make the space conducive to learning, reading and building community:

• A wide variety of children’s books
• Sitting areas
• Tablets for games + reading
• Free wi-fi

Both parents and children will be able to board the bus, and Tuscaloosa City Schools students can even take a free book home with them.

Community outreach with the Tuscaloosa City Schools literacy bus

The literacy bus isn’t just for Tuscaloosa City Schools students, though.

“This is about community outreach.

It’s not just about our TCS students, but it’s the Tuscaloosa community at large.”

Terri Byrts, director of student literacy, Tuscaloosa City Schools (Tuscaloosa City Schools)

After the bus is complete, expected by the end of the 2023-2024 school year, it will make stops throughout the Tuscaloosa community. Organizations such as the United Way will be able to use the bus as well.

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