Students at Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester received an early surprise this week as they unwrapped gifts filled with books to take home for the summer.

The event had the feel of Christmas morning, with students opening wrapped packages and discovering new books inside. The goal was to ensure every student has something to read during summer vacation.

The books were purchased through a $16,000 literacy initiative known as the school's 'Book Blast' program.

School officials said the initiative was designed to encourage reading and make books easily accessible to students throughout the summer months.

In an age dominated by social media, the program aims to help foster a love of reading among children. Students appeared excited as they unwrapped their books and prepared to spend at least some of the summer reading.