Reading program geared toward housing authority kids
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As a library manager, it’s expected she should. However, she also believes, at times, children who want to read don’t always get that chance.
With the assistance of a grant-funded program designed to target underprivileged children, a cooperative effort between Magness Library and McMinnville Housing Authority is scheduled this fall.
The new reading and writing enhancement program is planned for the housing authority’s three activity centers. Books will be purchased and distributed evenly throughout the centers and an expert writing instructor will be on-hand to help craft better writing.
Darnell Arnault, a creative writing instructor with MTSU as well as a former education and curriculum director for the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, is slated to be the program coordinator. The project will last throughout the year.
Robbins said access to books and Arnault’s expertise as an award-winning writer is intended to introduce children to an enjoyable creative learning experience. The children’s writing will be compiled into a book and will be submitted when applying for other grants.
“I was really excited when I got the information last winter because I learned to read early,” Robbins said. “Reading was such an important part of my life and I think children who don’t learn to read are missing out on so much.”
McMinnville Housing Authority activity center coordinator Nicole Worzek said she is looking forward to enhanced services that organizers expect to reach between 75 and 100 children.
“We are very pleased to have the support of Magness Library and are looking forward to providing these opportunities for children,” Worzek said.
The grant is an $11,700 grant funded through the state via the Tennessee State Library and Archives’ library services.
Robbins said coordinators are busy selecting books for the libraries and books will be distributed a few at a time. An orientation for affected families to learn more about the project is planned for September, with writing classes beginning in October.