School library incorporates reading with exercise

TAUNTON, Mass. (WJAR) — A Taunton middle school librarian is turning students into bookworms one ride at a time.

John Parker Middle school students are able to ride stationary bikes, or ellipticals, while they read.

“We have kids documenting the miles they’re doing on the bikes,” Principal Michael Byron said. “They’re also reading the entire time they’re doing it.”

Librarian Ina Collins thought of the idea when she saw bikes collecting dust in a closet. She approached Athletic Director Mark Ottavianelli about moving them into the library.

“I asked him to borrow tow bikes. That turned into four bikes and six bikes,” she said.

The district bought even more.

“Most of my job is at the high schools, but a lot of is affected by what happens at the middle schools and elementary schools,” Ottavianelli said. “We become more involved at that level with the kids, get them active, get them involved, get them interested. It's just going to help them later on in life.”

The students love it.

“It’s cooler than any other library,” sixth-grader Skye Martin said.

Another student, Thomas Hunt, said reading and riding was difficult at first, but now he enjoys breaking a sweat.

“I am autistic and I have a hard time doing double tasks and all that,” he said. “Now, it’s a lot of good exercise.”

The library also has a Lego wall in it and a sunny corner for students who prefer a more traditional reading space. Collins said she has a list of ideas to make the school even more innovative.