Serving Up a Love of Reading

It only takes a taste to know it’s good. That’s the philosophy behind the Book Cafe at Rover Elementary School.

For the past 10 years, librarian Laura Hardesty has temporarily transformed the school library into a quaint neighborhood cafe, complete with table décor, menus, and ambient music. But instead of sampling food, students “taste-test” books that will soon hit the library shelves. 

During their visit to the cafe, students nibble on a variety of titles, asking questions, noting their first impressions, and making a wishlist for future library checkouts. 

“I began hosting book tastings as a way to introduce students to new books in our library,” Hardesty said. “I felt like books were being added to the shelves, but weren't circulating because kids didn't know they were there. I hope that students use the experience to interact and ‘taste’ books that they may not normally gravitate towards.”

On visits to the Book Cafe, fourth grader Joseph Montague has an appetite for books with intriguing covers. On his most recent stop, Felix Powell, Boy Dog by Erin Entrada Kelly caught his attention.

Fellow fourth grader Natasha Mueller focuses less on presentation and more on content, seeking out flavors of fantasy and fiction. While her all-time favorite books are the Twilight series, her recent trip to the Book Cafe introduced her to a futuristic fiction title she quickly added to her checkout list. 

“I like learning new things, and I just love reading,” Mueller said. “I feel really relaxed when I’m reading.”

While the Book Cafe was originally designed to introduce students to new books and help Hardesty better understand student interests, it has also become a powerful way to build excitement around reading across the school community.

“When students arrive on book tasting days, there is always a murmur of excitement as they enter the Book Cafe,” Hardesty said. “It's rare that kids have time to sit and immerse themselves in a book. By giving them the time to try new books, it generates excitement for checking them out and reading them.”

The Book Cafe has even earned rave reviews from staff members. Last year, Hardesty hosted a book tasting during a professional development session, introducing staff to read-alouds that support Social Emotional Learning, STEM, and English Language Arts instruction.

By turning reading into an experience, Hardesty has created something students look forward to each quarter: a chance to slow down, explore new stories, and fall in love with reading. 

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This opportunity reflects Tempe Elementary’s commitment to maximizing individual student growth and achievement, focusing on strengths and needs, as outlined in Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan.

About Rover Elementary School
Rover Elementary is a proud National Blue Ribbon School and “A” rated school celebrating 50 years of educational excellence in 2026. Known for its innovative learning experiences, Rover fosters curiosity, independence, and academic achievement through programs like its thriving school garden and full-day Kindergarten Prep. With a diverse and connected community of students, families, alumni, and staff, Rover continues to lead the way in creating meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities. Learn more about Rover Elementary.