Dear Editor:
Another year has gone by and summer is close at hand. Summer’s wonderful, warm sun and long lazy days also go hand-in-hand with schoolchildren off for the summer. Many of these children have nothing to do but watch television, play DS and Wii games, or hang out with friends. Well… The Jersey City Free Public Library has a remedy for summer boredom…the annual Summer Reading Program!
With the streets filled with street gangs and rampant crime, the Library is offering our children a positive alternative, where they can interact with other children in a safe, cool environment. Children from all over the City are encouraged to amiably compete in reading the most books during the eight-week program, while sharpening their reading and computer skills, and getting them ready for the upcoming school year. They also participate in creative arts projects, field trips (when money allows) movies, live performances and, if we are lucky and someone sponsors us, go to Camp Liberty for the day, which many cannot afford, to swim, play games, run around and experience a camp setting…all the while, developing a lifelong love for reading. All we need to do is raise $15,000.00 –that’s about $25.00 per child.
Wouldn’t you like to help us make a difference in the life of a child? Or, better yet… Wouldn’t you like to help us make a difference in the lives of many children living in Jersey City? Last year, 588 children enrolled and collectively read over 12,000 books…Priceless!
We are asking you to give these children a head start this upcoming summer by sponsoring our children. With your assistance, these children can improve their reading skills, and travel down a different path by avoiding the pitfalls of the streets.
The program is offered from June 25 to August 17 at the Bonetti Children’s Room at the Main Library, Greenville, Cunningham, Miller, Heights, Five Corners, Marion, Pavonia, Lafayette, West Bergen and the Bookmobile! Every sector of the community is covered. Every child in all schools – public, charter, parochial and home-schooled children – are encouraged to attend!
Please join the Library and its staff in welcoming these children that so desperately need a safe place to spend their summer months. YOU won’t regret it! And, you can support and drop in your neighborhood branch or Main and see the difference your dollars make.
Please contact me at (201) 547-4549, or by email, saraujo@jclibrary.org, with your desire to help the Library’s Summer Reading Program in 2012!
Respectfully,
Sonia Araujo