TX School Brings Literacy to the Lunchroom With Creative Book Nook

Mealtime now comes with a side of storytelling in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Texas. Thanks to a creative challenge from Suzy Hunter, Director of Nutrition Services, Warner Elementary has transformed a corner of its cafeteria into a cozy Book Nook, giving students the chance to browse and enjoy books during breakfast and lunch.

The idea grew from the department’s focus on building meaningful connections.

“Two of our goals this year are to build relationships and increase student engagement,” said Hunter. “Our district librarians and nutrition services staff have a very supportive relationship as a result of our focus on making friends.”

The Warner Elementary café team fully embraced the challenge to showcase library books tied to food and nutrition.

“I wanted to use books from the school library so that if a student saw something interesting, they could check it out,” Hunter explained. Their efforts led to a full Book Nook setup complete with refurbished furniture and a curated rotation of kid-friendly titles. The space opened in October with a ribbon-cutting and excited students eager to explore the shelves.

“They talk with each other about the new space,” said Hunter. “They point out the titles and can tell you which ones they may have at home or have previously read.”

The Book Nook now serves as a calm, inviting space where students can read during meals. PreK and kindergarten classes also visit the space for special read-aloud visits, complete with chef hats and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours.

By turning a simple corner of the cafeteria into a welcoming space for reading and connection, Werner Elementary is showing how school nutrition programs can nourish more than just students’ appetites.