Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Friday, September 20, 2013

Picking Up a Book











Normally when I go to work, it's time to, you know, work. But lucky me, one of my latest work projects has been an absolute blast.

Our building contains a secure detention center that holds juveniles (youths typically between the ages of 12 and 17) who are awaiting a court hearing due to an allegation of committing a law violation. Having toured a number of "model site" juvenile detention centers throughout the United States it occurred to me that something we were seriously lacking for our kids was a decent library.

I was able to develop a partnership with our local library district. They've been exceptionally helpful and even donated 50 books to start our collection. When the books were delivered the kids were ecstatic! We have a teacher in our facility who told me, "You'd have thought we won the lottery." Many of these kids never picked up anything but a video game or remote before. And now they're learning to love reading.

Our next step is to obtain bookcases, chairs, and a rug to define the "library" area. I've secured funding to buy an additional 50 books and one of my collaborative team members is planning a book drive for the center.

It doesn't matter who they are, where they come from, or what they may have done. Kids reading is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Bravo to you. we think it is a marvellous thing you are doing. Best of luck and hip hip hooray. Getting kids reading can lead to so many good things. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly

Sketching with Dogs said...

That is fantastic for the kids, books can open up a whole world for you.
Lynne x

Two French Bulldogs said...

Mom works in one of those places. A lot of times this is the only place a kid gets to touch a book. Nutty
Benny & Lily

Linda O'Connell said...

Kudos to you. One kind gesture, one small book...either can change a life.

Ann Summerville said...

How exciting. I am sure it will make a big difference for many of them.
Ann

Sioux Roslawski said...

Pat--I will keep you in mind. If you'd like, I might be able to round up a few books for your library.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Pat--I might be able to round up a few books for you. Let me know.

kissa-bull said...

Blessings to you and all you do!

Pibble sugars
Brinks and Bella

Tammy said...

It is indeed, and hooray for you for changing lives for the better. A "bad" kid is often a hurt kid, and I'm convinced that books can teach them to convert the hurt into a story that touches others and lets them know they are not alone. Like Sioux said, please let us know how we might make a donation. Very best of luck to you!

Vanessa Morgan said...

I'm addicted to books AND cats, so this blog is just what I need. Now following along via Bloglovin. Have a sweet weekend.

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Thats pawsome that u got those books for the kids.

Alien said...

You rock!

Yours,

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

That's wonderful!!! Books meant so much to me as a child and my mom would always let me buy books. I realize now how lucky I was!

Mary Horner said...

Every kid should have access to a library! I love this. Can individuals donate appropriate books?