Dr. Seuss once wrote: ‘The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’
Seuss was right – a book is a conveyance that transports children into realms of wonder and imagination, while also enhancing vocabulary, foundational learning skills and family interactions.
In Berks County, the Reach out and Read organization (www.reachoutandread.org), which provides free new books for children during pediatric wellness visits, was in danger.
‘Our shelves were literally bare!’ said Adrienne Salaneck, a nurse practitioner at All About Children Pediatric Partners, in Reading.
Then, two Kutztown University student groups stepped in and saved the day. The KU dance team, led by President Alison Duffy, implemented a fund raising drive and was able to donate 400 books. The Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education matched this donation with an additional 400 books. The total donation amounted to some very happy children.
‘Filling the bookshelves at the pediatric center was the best present we could give to the children,’ said Duffy. ‘When I visit the center to read to the children, they are so excited! They love being able to take a new book home.’
Salaneck was also thrilled. ‘This year Kutztown University donated more than 800 books to our program!’ she proclaimed. ‘We serve a large majority of the Medicaid population in Berks County. This donation will help many children who do not normally have access to new, age appropriate books.’
Now, when Berks County doctors and nurses prescribe reading during well visits, they will have enough books to dispense.
Provided by KU.
