MADISON – At least, Alabama won this contest.

Heritage teachers supporting the Auburn Tigers stand at left and teachers rooting for the Crimson Tide stand at right for the “Alabama vs. Auburn Book Drive.” (CONTRIBUTED)

The “Alabama vs. Auburn Book Drive” at Heritage Elementary School brought in 2,583 books, more than doubling their goal of 1,000.

Heritage Media Specialist Lisa D’Antonio started this book drive as “a fun, friendly competition for students to support their favorite team in the Iron Bowl, while also providing gently used or new books for the classrooms and library.”

With all grades K-6 participating, students ‘scored’ 1,439 books for the University of Alabama and 1,144 for Auburn University. “Most students thought the book drive was an accurate portrayal of the Iron Bowl,” D’Antonio said. Other students just wanted their favorite team to win the real game.

“Hardback books within a 10-year copyright will be shelved for library use. Paperbacks and other hardbacks are separated for each teacher to ‘shop’ for their classroom library,” D’Antonio said.

Each Heritage teacher can choose 45 books. Older and adult-oriented books were donated to Heritage’s rummage sale, which will provide Christmas presents for students in need.

“I know a lot of people enjoyed getting their bookshelves cleaned out,” D’Antonio said. “We will enjoy having these books for multiple students to use each year.”

D’Antonio was happy to receive several copies of the “Diary of A Wimpy Kid” series, a student favorite. “Fancy Nancy,” “Skippyjon Jones,” “Mercy Watson” and “Dork Diaries” were other popular donations.

Teachers encouraged students to donate used books from home that they no longer read. “My own children would have given away all their books just for Auburn to win,” Heritage teacher and parent Katie Scruggs said.

The book drive also generated dialogue about character, cooperation, fairness and determination.

“The state of Alabama has not provided funding for their school libraries in over five years,” D’Antonio said. “Everything acquired for the library comes from our own fundraising efforts and donations.”

In addition, books dealing with technology become dated quickly. “It’s really hard to keep up with the most current devices and programs for our kids to use,” D’Antonio said.