In 2016, The Shelby Foundation implemented and collaborated with Marvin Memorial Library to help local students embrace a love of reading. Since the program was so well received by the students, staff, and administration, efforts are being duplicated again this year.
Third graders from Auburn Elementary, Dowds Elementary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Most Pure Heart of Mary again will have an opportunity to take a tour of the library, enjoy story time with a snack, and leave with a book purchased by The Shelby Foundation. Students will be assigned the book as part of their summer reading and it will be incorporated into their fourth grade reading lesson in the fall.
Outgoing Foundation Chair Frank Benham was the visionary behind the program to encourage the importance of reading. “I enjoy having a good book. Our kids deserve to have this simple luxury of having a book of their very own. Hopefully, it helps foster a love of reading.”
Marvin Memorial Library Director Kathy Webb stated, “We want children to feel comfortable coming to the library. This is a great time to introduce students to the library because we have many summer programs that encourage kids to keep reading.”
Field trips to the local library are slated for two week of May. For more information about this collaboration or the library’s summer reading programs contact Marvin Memorial Library or The Shelby Foundation.