ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Grant 2006
Contacts: Larra Clark, Macey Morales
ALA Media Relations
312-280-5043/4393
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2006
ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Grant 2006
CHICAGO - Ouachita Parish Public Library of Monroe, La. is the 2006 recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant. ALSC, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), presents the award. 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.
The winning program includes participation of local organizations, Families Helping Families and ARCO, which are highly involved in the program supporting inclusion of families with children with special needs. This year's themes are “Paws to Read” for ages 0-11 and “TSI: Teen Scene Investigation” for ages 12-18. Highlights include many theme-related programs, signed story times, increased use of therapy dogs, and therapeutic horse riding. Family participation in the Summer Reading Program will be promoted through billboards, a special needs organization newsletter reaching approximately 4,000 families, and other highly visible publicity. All participants including pre-readers and youth with special needs are inspired to read 10 or more books, audiobooks, and participate through read-aloud programs.
“Their program is full of innovative summer reading theme ideas, collaborating with community resources and providing needed services,” said Jill Walker, chair of the selection committee. “There were several excellent summer reading program applicants but Ouachita Parish Public Library's overall commitment to all youth and their families will not only promote summer reading, but brings attention to special needs.”
Members of the 2006 ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant Committee are Chair, Jill Walker, Baker & Taylor, Bridgewater, N.J.; Jerene Battisti, Renton PL, Renton, Wash.; Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township PL, West Bloomfield, Mich.; Jean Hatfield, Johnson County Library, Shawnee Mission, Kan.; Victor Schill, Harris County Public Library, Houston; Anitra Steele, Mid Continent PL, Independence, Mo.; Ruth Toor, Basking Ridge, N.J.; Mary Voors, Allen County PL, Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County PL, Minnetonka, Minn. For details and to apply for the 2007 ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant see the ALSC website
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/profawards/bookwholesalers/bwi06.doc.
