From STAFF REPORTS

AMERICUS — A group of Americus-Sumter High School (ASHS) students recently took advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of reading at Bittersweet Coffee Shop in downtown Americus. The students spent over an hour exploring shelves of books while they enjoyed coffee and ice cream.
The trip allowed the students to experience the “feel” of an authentic bookstore-cafe as they sipped and read, perused titles, and purchased books to take home.
The field trip was sponsored by the ASHS English Department and spearheaded by teacher Sandra Cobb.
“It was an amazing opportunity for our students to interact with books in a fun, social environment,” said Cobb. “I enjoyed seeing our students experience a new way of looking at books, both literally and figuratively.”
The trip included a “book genre scavenger hunt” where students perused the shop’s shelves for titles needed to complete an assignment.
“By going to the coffee shop/bookstore, students got to see people reading for pleasure, and that reading is not just something you have to do, it can be something you learn to love to do,” said Cobb.
ASHS student Von Bacon said the class trip gave him a new appreciation of books and reading. “This trip definitely changed my life. The bookstore is a great place to chill or just hang out. It’s nice to clear your mind and read a book, drink some coffee,” said Bacon.
Cobb says that since returning from the trip, her students have shown greater excitement for books and reading. “It’s a habit that can last a lifetime,” she said. “And someone who loves to read is someone who can learn anything.”