Published: 2/9/2018 10:47:29 AM
Modified: 2/9/2018 10:47:38 AM
ATHOL — Like children? Like to read? If so, the Athol Public Library is looking for you.
The search is on for Community Reading Day volunteers interested in reading to students at the Athol Community Elementary School and Royalston Community School.
The event, held annually since 2003, is a collaborative effort between the library staff and the school district. This year, Community Reading Day falls on March 2, Read Across America Day. Volunteers will read “Going Places” by Peter Reynolds to students in grades 2 to 4 and “Box” by Min Flyte and Rosalind Beardshaw to students in grades 1, preschool and kindergarten.
Children’s Librarian Angela Dumas, who selected the books, said Wednesday she was looking for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) books with creative themes to “get the children thinking and asking questions.” Her intent is to tie in Reading Day with a $7,500 Federal Library Services and Technology Act “Science is Everywhere” grant received in October 2017 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Dumas, who has been at the Athol Public Library for two and a half years, wrote the grant.
According to Ruth Urell, head of library and advisory at the MBLC, these particular grants are competitive and require serious planning, great idea development, and a strong commitment to meeting well-defined local needs. The children’s room has obtained 16 science kits and will offer programs reflecting current STEM trends in education and popular culture. The resources and programs will help children explore topics such as robotics, coding, electrical circuits and structural design.
Dumas said along with the reading of “Going Places,” the older children will use a science kit, designed to stimulate thinking.
Reading will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the classrooms. Library staff will give background information on the authors and offer a list of suggested activities. An orientation session for readers will be held at the Athol Public Library on Feb. 28 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the program room.
For more information, or to volunteer to read, contact Dumas at the library at 978-249-9515.