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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:
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
That is fantastic for the kids, books can open up a whole world for you.
Lynne x
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
Kudos to you. One kind gesture, one small book...either can change a life.
How exciting. I am sure it will make a big difference for many of them.
Ann
Pat--I will keep you in mind. If you'd like, I might be able to round up a few books for your library.
Pat--I might be able to round up a few books for you. Let me know.
Blessings to you and all you do!
Pibble sugars
Brinks and Bella
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!
I'm addicted to books AND cats, so this blog is just what I need. Now following along via Bloglovin. Have a sweet weekend.
Thats pawsome that u got those books for the kids.
You rock!
Yours,
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!
Every kid should have access to a library! I love this. Can individuals donate appropriate books?
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