Not surprisingly, if Ben Franklin was alive today, he would probably feverishly blog about why children should read and why children, families and citizens should visit local libraries for fun!
This spring as a West Roxbury YMCA volunteer, I began an after school reading program for children. Children discovered recreational reading! We enjoy reading to each other and some children obtained library cards for the first time, borrowed books for the first time and parents are pleased to see their children’s growing interest in reading and growing interest in visiting their local public library.
Let’s establish an after school library reading program in every city and town across the state, help build a movement of public support to keep libraries open. By establishing public private partnerships, Friends of The Library Chapters can promote public libraries and after school reading programs. Successful after school reading programs will give interested donors another reason to make private donations. Reading programs will not only help keep public libraries open but after school reading programs will encourage more families to visit libraries across the state! How can we encourage more children, families and citizens to read for recreation and visit our public library?
Let’s discuss, share ideas, solutions, comments here and now…
Please join our campaign (pamelajulian.com) today to establish more innovative and more collaborative public private partnerships to help fund libraries, public services, and public education.
“This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two each day, and thus repaired in some degree the loss of the learned education my father once intended for me. Reading was the only amusement I allowed myself. I spent no time in taverns, games, or frolics of any kind; and my industry in my business continued as indefatigable as it was necessary.” Benjamin Franklin,
Thank you Ben for forming the first public library!
Join the movement! Visit your local library today!
Pamela Julian
Former Library Trustee Chair
Principal author student voter and civic education bill pending in Massachusetts, New York and in Washington DC
State Representative Candidate 10th Suffolk District
West Roxbury, Brookline, Roslindale
pamelajulian.com
Reading for fun is ok, but learning is pain.
My town library has a summer reading program, and as a substitute teacher I see plenty of kids who read for pleasure. I get the sense that those who don’t like to read are those who struggle with reading, which is frustrating as a one-day sub since I can’t do much about it. My number one rule is when you finish you work you find something to read.