2008 Recipient
ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant
Wayne County Public Library, Goldsboro, N.C., is the 2008 recipient of the ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant. The $3,000 grant, donated by BWI, provides financial assistance for public libraries to develop outstanding summer reading programs for children. The grant also recognizes ALSC members for outstanding program development.
Wayne County Public Library's 2008 summer reading program theme, “Catch the Reading Bug,” incorporates a community garden, located on the library grounds, as a meeting place where diversity is celebrated. Librarian Shorlette Ammons-Stephens is working with community organizations, such as the Wayne County Cooperative Extension and the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department, to foster a respect and understanding for individuals with special needs, families whose first language is not English and “at-risk” youth.
“The dimensions of this project include literacy opportunities through the development of a collection of gardening, health and nutrition literacy resources, workshops, journaling, cultural awareness and hands-on gardening experiences,” said Ammons-Stephens. “This will allow participants to increase their level of physical activity and empower participants to take an active role in their own health and wellness.”
The garden began in response to a need for a special place that would allow residents to learn more about themselves and the community. In keeping with the library's mission to offer community members the opportunity to meet and interact with others in the community, construction of the 50-by-50-foot garden began in January 2006.
|
