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LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library Children’s Department recently received an anonymous donation of $5,000 to support the BookReach early childhood literacy program at the Lewiston and Auburn public libraries.
The money will be used to buy books, canvas bags and other literacy-enriching items to support the BookReach mission – helping to raise a community of readers by enriching the lives of young children through the pleasure of reading.
“We are so thankful for this generous donation,” said Sarah Turner, Lewiston’s children’s librarian Sara Turner. “This will help create lasting positive impacts on each child’s educational development and support the future vision of connecting the library with early learning providers, their students, and families. Our goal is to make literacy an integral part of children’s lives and encourage them to become lifelong learners.”
BookReach serves Lewiston, Auburn and Minot. Volunteer readers bring storytimes and books to children in licensed family child care homes and preschool centers. The volunteers share stories, songs, and collections of books with children who may not have the opportunity to visit a library on a regular basis. Reading sessions are currently virtual so that readers can be safely unmasked, offering children a chance to visually connect emotions and feelings with full facial expressions.
BookReach is accepting applications for volunteers and child care providers. Readers must be 18 years or older and must pass a DHHS background check. Time commitment is approximately an hour a week. All training and materials are provided.
For more information or to apply as a volunteer reader or child care provider, contact Miranda Fortin, BookReach coordinator, 207-513-3004 ext. 3515 or BookReach@lewistonmaine.gov.
