Book exchange energizes students

Washougal — Books are still great even when they’re not brand new. So twice a year, in January and again in spring, students at Hathaway Elementary School are encouraged to participate in a book exchange program, bringing in the books they’ve finished at home and trading them for books that are new to them. Plus, the Hathaway Boosters spring for additional new and used books to add to the mix. “We watch garage sales and also purchase books at our book fairs,” said booster Nancy Kutchera. Hathaway students also can earn good-behavior certificates that are good for books at the trade. School librarian Kathy Stanton said students take their selections seriously: “They take a lot of time to look through the books and make their selections and then can’t wait to read them. Some students even pick out books to share with young siblings at home.”