| Free Bookmobile Supports Local Teachers, Librarians and Students |
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Written by admin, March 25th, 2011
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It’s hard to get through a week of news without hearing of yet another cut to literacy resources for children. One of the latest decisions announced (http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110310/ARTICLES/110309425) will slash six librarian positions from the Santa Rosa City Schools roster. At the Free Bookmobile, we are saddened that the trustees are forced into the position to make these tough calls – it can’t be easy to find $3 million in savings. And yet we wonder how much leverage will be lost with these cuts. When you help and encourage a child to read, you set them on a course they can broaden themselves, as they mature and are able to understand more of the world’s discourse. A little access early in life can lead to engagement and participation later on. This is participation we need. There is much to be done to strengthen our communities and we need all hands on deck.
The Sonoma County Free Bookmobile is proud to help fill this gap. We have recently met several teachers and librarians who were excited to find us because it meant they could bring fresh books back to their students. In communities across the county, in places like Jenner, Geyserville, and yes, even downtown Santa Rosa at our recent high-school outreach, we heard that budgets are eliminated, and that school staff members are scrambling for materials. Our response is simple: “Here’s a bag. Fill it up with books and take it to your kids.”
We are also keen to make visits directly to schools with fewest resources. Last week, in partnership with the United Way and California Parenting Institute, the Free Bookmobile made an evening trip to Taylor Mountain Elementary School in south Santa Rosa, to provide books to low-income children and their parents taking part in a Literacy Fiesta. Though weekday events are usually a challenge for the volunteer Free Bookmobile staff, we look forward to shifting more attention to the growing need in schools and pre-schools.
More later on our plans to make that happen, and in the meantime, please bring us all your children’s and young adult books that are just sitting around! We’ll get them into new hands and eager young minds.
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