Amarillo ISD and Storybridge Pause Partnership After Book Issue

Storybridge is a local non-profit in Amarillo, Texas that provides books to kids.

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Storybridge provides free access to quality children's books for families in low-income areas. By giving kids books, it can help change their lives.

Recently, a post popped up on Reddit about Amarillo ISD canceling their partnership with Storybridge. This was somewhat shocking and disheartening because Amarillo ISD and Storybridge have been partnered for multiple years, and it's a great way to get books in the hands of young children.

According to the Reddit post, Amarillo ISD canceled its partnership with Storybridge after AISD received a complaint about an inappropriate book. The book in question was allegedly about two dads. According to a comment made on the Reddit post, principals sent emails out to the staff 2 weeks ago about stopping Storybridge immediately.

storybridge has been canceled in AISD. low-income children will no longer receive books to read for the rest of the school year.
byu/h0neyh0e inamarillo

Email to the Teachers

We spoke with a teacher in Amarillo ISD and they confirmed an email was sent regarding the decision with Storybridge. She asked to remain anonymous for this article, citing concerns of retaliation.

After reading this social media post, we contacted Amarillo ISD and Storybridge to get more information about their partnership and what happened.

Amarillo ISD responds:

The partnership between Amarillo ISD and StoryBridge has not been dissolved, but we have temporarily paused book distribution while we strengthen the book vetting process. As is the case with systems in place in our school libraries, we want to ensure parents have the ultimate say in what is appropriate for their family. –Amarillo ISD and StoryBridge

As of now, the relationship has been paused to put a new plan in place for a new process of what kind of books are distributed to children.

It's safe to say the bridge hasn't burned but is currently closed for construction with AISD and Storybridge.

All children should have the opportunity to have a book or books in their homes no matter the income of their family and this is why Storybridge is so important to our community.

Hopefully, AISD and Storybridge will have a new plan in place soon and book distribution will start again.

Books That Use Amarillo or the Texas Panhandle as a Setting

Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle is a great city with great history. When it comes to the literary world, it is always great to see our area represented in books.

Here is a great list where Amarillo and/or the Texas Panhandle is used as a setting or mentioned in a book.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Ranchotel: The Forgotten Landmark of Old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

The Ranchotel, located at 2501 W. 6th St., is a product of Route 66's heyday.

When Americans first began long-distance automotive travel, they typically stayed in hotels or camped beside the road. In response, clever entrepreneurs began to build what were called tourist courts. The Ranchotel is one of these.

It was built in 1940 and until recently, it was considered one of the best preserved examples of Route 66's tourist facilities. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and was well maintained until 2020.

Even now, in spite of the building's fading beauty, there is still the nostalgic air held by many a historic landmark.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark