Emmaus High School Bookfair

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

Emmaus High School Bookfair 3/9/2024

Today, you will be doing an enormous service for teens 12-15 years of age in Edinburgh, Scotland.  These boys & girls are some of the most vulnerable in Scottish society who come from very tough backgrounds, often care backgrounds, and who have missed out on a lot of formal schooling.

Today’s Bookfair will benefit Judith’s Reading Room.

Judith’s Reading Room, a local Pennsylvania non profit literacy organization, established in 2010, has as its mission “to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.”  To date, the organization has dedicated 106 libraries in 23 countries with over 133,000 donated books.

Today, you will help us establish our 107th library in our 24th country dedicated to boys & girls ages 12-15 in collaboration with the non profit HeavySound.org in Edinburgh, Scotland.  This is a great organization — it is not a ‘formal’ school, but it does offer these kids an outstanding educational and activity-based program.

The BEST BOOKS for teens who read way below grade level, are GRAPHIC NOVELS!  Help us obtain GRAPHIC NOVELS!

Judith’s Reading Room will dedicate its 107th library with Heavy Sound in Edinburgh, Scotland the week of August 12, 2024.  Your hard work to encourage Barnes & Noble patrons to be generous will result in a spectacular library.

 

Winners of 2024 “Freedom Through Literacy Award.”

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
484-661-6151
www.judithsreadingroom.org

2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award Winners Announced

March 1, 2024 — Judith’s Reading Room announced the winners of its 10th annual “Freedom Through Literacy Awards” with a purse of $5,100. The Award honors individuals who have done exemplary work to instill in others a love of reading.

Applicants from Pennsylvania and New York in the USA and from Africa, India, Mexico and the Middle East included poets, teachers, librarians, authors, a literacy “hobbyist,” community volunteers and literacy non-profits. Three overarching literacy themes were evident in this year’s set of
applications: (1) improved literacy to break barriers in rural communities, (2) focus on adult education to break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy and, (3) poetry as an essential means of expression.

Grand Prize Award

For the first-time in a decade, the “Freedom Through Literacy Award” announces an historic three-way tie for Grand Prize. The Award will be split equally, $1,000 each.

Brian Okinda, Librarian, Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust, Bondo, Siaya, Kenya shares the Grand Prize for leading the “IREAD (Investing in Rural Education and Development) Project that focuses on improving the literacy standards of the Rarieda sub-county region. The project’s mobile community library and adult education has led to the graduation of 267 adult learners. Providing solar power to previously unlit communities and reproductive health programming has improved girls’ school attendance by 100%. “Literacy is about instilling a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. I am committed to building a community where the transformative power of literacy enriches the lives of all its members,” remarked Okinda.

Jeska Washington, Executive Director, Literacy Non-Profit, Nyamata, Rwanda shares the Grand Prize for her project “The Inzozi Center.” Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise,” and the power of words inspired Washington to create The Inzozi Center to address the crucial need for English proficiency. In less than one year, attendance from 3 cities and hundreds of villages has surged to over 300 children daily. The Inzozi Center (inzozi means dream in Kinyarwanda) partners with local schools and includes the only public library, The Dream Big Library housing over 3,000 books with a library coach, movie screenings and diverse book clubs. Washington says, “The Inzozi Center is a beacon of hope and transformation in our rural community, shaping a future where literacy and passion for learning are at the forefront of young minds.”

Marie-Martine Yobol-Njonga, Literacy Non-Profit, Yaounde, Cameroon shares the Grand Prize for her program, “One Classroom, One Library” that installs small yet curated library cabinets in rural school classrooms across Cameroon. Her entire professional career has been devoted to developing literacy in rural areas, with a dual emphasis on developing adult and children’s literacy. Prior to her initiative, less than 8% of schools in rural areas had a library. In less than 10 years, Yobol-Njonga has set up classroom libraries in 149 schools with 61,000 books. She has trained 80 teachers, reaching nearly 41,000 students. According to Nathalie Tekam, founder, GetReady.org, “the impact of her work in terms of promoting reading in both urban and rural areas, in a context where reading is considered an elitist activity, is indisputable at a national scale.” From Victor Hugo, Yobol-Njonga dedicates her life-work with this thought: “Whoever you are, who wants to cultivate, invigorate, tenderize, soothe… put books everywhere.”

Judith’s Award

Amy Allison, English teacher, The Delta Program, State College, Pennsylvania, wins the coveted ‘Judith’s Award’ and $1,500 for her project, “Advocacy for Teens Class,” that teaches teens how to appropriately engage in civic and cultural literacy by first learning about State College’s local
library as a foundation for how to advocate for an issue. Students are guided and scaffolded for their first project, ‘Representing the Library,’ at their local township meeting. The process for this project includes researching their topic, preparing a timeline, interviewing stakeholders, observing the environment, and writing a proposal. “I feel it is my duty as a teacher to aid students in learning how to navigate our world, understand our cultural literacy and advocate for themselves and others,” said Allison. The ‘Judith’s Award’ was designated in 2019 to honor an applicant who best mirrors the intentions, the dreams, the insistence, the passion of Judith F. Krug, in whose name Judith’s Reading Room was established.

Board Option Award Winners

Patricia Baum, Librarian, Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, La Paz, Mexico. Patricia is recognized for her multi-level project, “Building Bridges to Literacy” at the largest bilingual library in the state of Baja California Sur. Established in 2003, the library is named after the illustrious Mexican author Elena Poniatowska whose belief in the universal right to literacy has influenced the library’s collection to include works of famous Mexican authors. “Building Bridges to Literacy” includes a ladder of initiatives, but the one the judges singled out is “Youth Poetry Mentoring,” that offers high school students a view of the world through poetry, mentored by a local poet. “Literature is the bridge that connects
us to the tapestry of human experience, both locally and globally,” stated Baum. For her work to enrich lives through poetry, Baum is awarded a $200 Board Option prize.

Alicia Dal Pra, bilingual children’s book author, Ardsley, New York. Alicia, a native of Caracas, Venezuela is honored for her book, Somos Ninos, Nos Vamos de Safari, a beautifully illustrated and highly educational children’s book about the hippopotamus that shows children a different way to
learn a new language. Dal Pra’s bilingual book provides a parallel vocabulary in Spanish and English, is accompanied by a Somos Ninos Podcast, and can be used as a tool for classroom projects. “I want to keep offering to Hispanic families around the world quality content not just for children but for families as well,” commented Dal Pra. For her inspiring book, Dal Pra is awarded a $200 Board Option prize.

Victor Owuor, Teacher, The Sunflower Trust, Nairobi, Kenya, is saluted for his unflagging literacy efforts with the project, “Pages of Progress,” a leadership development initiative in Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya. The project goes beyond the conventional boundaries of education — it gives anchor
to a sense of community in one of the world’s largest shanty- towns. Parents, inspired by the progress of their daughters, actively participate in reading clubs and storytelling sessions. The library is fostering a culture where families come together to share the joy of reading. Owuor says, “I see literacy as a collaborative effort, involving educators, communities and policymakers working together to create environments where the seeds of literacy can flourish.” Owuor is awarded a $200 Board Option prize.

Honorable Mentions

Stephanie Keiper, a proponent of literacy, Easton, Pennsylvania where she volunteers at the National Canal Museum. Stephanie is noticed for her creative approach to bringing a manuscript — One Tooth Hilda — to life. Keiper acts it out to the delight of hundreds of visitors each weekend
during the season. Her engaging approach teaches the story of America’s historic towpath canals, one of the first industrial sites in America and a crucible of the American Industrial Revolution. “I believe that you have to feel what you are reading. You should be able to envision the scenes
line by line,” noted Keiper.

Pamela Laskin, poet, director CCNY’s Poetry Outreach Center, New York City is recognized for her 20 year tenure and unrelenting dedication to offer skills to young people so that they may give voice through poetry. Under Laskin’s direction, CCNY’s Poetry Outreach Center sends trained poetry
mentors into schools to empower students first to express their feelings, to learn how to read poetry, then how to write a poem.“The core foundation of Poetry Outreach is to help young minds to use their voices to tell their stories. The goal is to hear their voices,” remarked Laskin.

Seraphin Niyonsenga, literacy ‘hobbyist,’ Kigali, Rwanda and Veterinarian by profession is acknowledged for his project “Expansion and Refurbishment of Kanzenze Little Free Library,” Kigali, Rwanda. Niyonsenga established the first-ever Little Free Library in Rwanda, replicating a best practice he learned while a Fulbright exchange scholar at the University of California, Davis in 2017. Inspired by his own experience growing up in poverty with only a book as a source of entertainment, he founded the Kanzenze Little Free Library in 2018 to allow children and adults from poor rural communities to borrow and return books for free. “Since kids are known in the neighborhood, they have all the incentives to return the books,” stated Niyonsenga.

Erin Roman, English teacher at ProJeCt of Easton, Easton, Pennsylvania is honored for her commitment to teaching adult education at this Easton institution that helps break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy. Roman understands that adult students are motivated to learn English because of need, while recognizing that they have many outside barriers that affect their learning, even attendance at school. They arrive at ProJeCt with low self-esteem and even shame owing mainly to family histories of low literacy. “My job is to not only change that mentality but to teach them that they have potential and the ability to succeed. They come in seeking education, support, food; they leave with so much more,” noted Roman.

 

Judith’s Reading Room, a global literacy nonprofit, was founded in 2010 in the memory of the founder’s first cousin, Judith F. Krug, Director for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association. The organization’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. To date the organization has established 106 libraries, 23 countries with over 133,000 books donated worth $1.4 million.

The Freedom Through Literacy Award has disbursed $58,600 to 71 champions of literacy, from 18 countries and 11 states in the USA. Applications for the 2025 Freedom Through Literacy Award will be available on October 7, 2024 at www.judithsreadingroom.org. Deadline for submissions for the 11th annual Freedom Through Literacy Award is February 3, 2025.

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Opening and Dedication of Puerto Vallarta’s Library

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

First-Ever Library at Under-Resourced School Thrills   

  Children and Teachers in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

February 28, 2024 — Judith’s Reading Room announced the dedication of its 106th library at a public school in central Puerto Vallarta serving 189 students.  Last Thursday, their world changed with the library’s inauguration at Escuela ‘Agustin Flores Contreras’ containing 538 bi-lingual, Spanish and English books, with a value of $3,632.

Judith’s Reading Room provided the books while the parents of the schoolchildren did all the rest.  The fathers painted the library space a cheerful lime green, built custom-designed shelves and the mothers sewed cherry-red curtains.  The parents had pressured the school principal to get books into the hands of their children because they knew better than anyone how debilitating it is to go through life, especially in a tourist town, without English.  One parent said, “when you know English, half of your problems are solved.”

“Today the moment has arrived to inaugurate our school library — a space where you will find countless treasures to discover… magical places to know … and unexpected adventures to unearth.  A space where our children can cast their imagination from the instant they touch a book,” said principal Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Lopez.  The founders of Judith’s Reading Room, Scott & Cathy Leiber, met Ms. Lopez during a library opportunity exploration trip in November, 2023.  It was during this meeting that the founders learned the school had no books, no library, no computers.  The 106th library took just three months from being an idea to becoming a reality.

Four members of Judith’s Reading Room board of directors, (Scott & Cathy Leiber, Co-Founders, Linda Wellstein, Esq., Vice President, International and Carla Border, retired high school teacher) spent the week organizing and classifying the books and filling the  shelves.  Working in teams of two — one Spanish-speaker and one English-speaker — the board members taught English to all classes using books from the library, childhood songs and puppets to engage the children and to spark their imaginations.

“To see the look of pure amazement, pure joy — almost shock — on a child’s face who has never seen nor held a book in their life, touched my heart and reinforced my commitment to spread the joy of reading to children around the world, “said Cathy Leiber, President and Co-Founder, Judith’s Reading Room.

Dignitaries attending the event included the Academic Coordinator, Puerto Vallarta’s Cultural Center, the ‘Professor Martin Meza Sendis’ Library Coordinator, officers of the Parents Association and local educational authorities.  Following the official ceremony and ribbon-cutting, the students, their teachers and parents entered the library by grades, allowing the children time to explore the books.  The library was dedicated in honor of the founder’s high school Spanish teacher, Ms. Lola Danielli of Lafayette, California, whom Cathy credits with changing her life.  A plaque in her honor was adhered to the wall inside the library.

Judith’s Reading Room, a global nonprofit literacy organization was founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug, first cousin to the founders, who served as Director for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association for over 40 years.  Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.  We have fulfilled that mission by establishing 106 libraries in 23 countries with over 133,000 donated books.  For more information, visit the website at www.judithsreadingroom.org.

/WFMZ – TV interviewed Cathy Leiber, President and Co-Founder, Judith’s Reading Room and via zoom Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Lopez (“Lupita”), principal  of Escuela ‘Agustin Flores Contreras’.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MX.- Judith ‘s Reading Room anunció la inauguración de su biblioteca número ciento seis en una escuela pública del centro de Puerto Vallarta. La escuela Austin Flores Contreras ahora tiene sienes de libros para sus estudiantes.

 

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The Outstanding Service Award

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

 

Judith’s Reading Room Announces Its Latest Award

“The Outstanding Service Award”

February 15, 2024 — In recognition of the outstanding collaborations and volunteer service to fulfill and exceed the mission of Judith’s Reading Room, it was announced today that members of the public and service providers will be gratefully acknowledged throughout the years.

Non-profit organizations, like Judith’s Reading Room, that do not have budgets for paid staff must rely on the self-less contributions of volunteer members of the board of directors and for others who step up to expand the communications efforts in a complicated world where good news is often ignored by local and national media.

In recognition of Outstanding Service to Judith’s Reading Room, the organization wishes to acknowledge its first recipient:

*  Ms. Joellen Reichenbach, owner, Select Sales – Creative Marketing Solutions, Asheville, NC for spreading the word about the 2024 ‘Freedom Through Literacy Award” by engaging with all public libraries and school districts in the Asheville, NC area.

Judith’s Reading Room, a 501 (c) 3 organization based in Pennsylvania was founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug, cousin to the founders, and a distinguished librarian with a 40 year career at the American Library Association as its Director for Intellectual Freedom.  To date, Judith’s Reading Room has established 106 libraries in 23 countries with over 133,000 donated books valued at $1.4 million.  It’s signature annual “Freedom Through Literacy Award,’ now in its 10th year, acknowledges champions of literacy from around the world.  Cash prizes in the amount of $58,500 have been distributed to 71 champions of literacy from 18 countries.

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Colonial Puerto Vallarta Gets Its First Library

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

Public School in Colonial Puerto Vallarta Gets Its First Library

Without English language competency, locals are relegated to the lowest jobs

February 5, 2024 — Judith’s Reading Room announced today that it has donated 538 curated children’s books valued at $3,632 to create the first-ever library at Escuela ‘Agustin Flores Contreras’ in colonial Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

During the week of February 19-26, four members of the organization’s board of directors, (two of whom are fluent in Spanish) will teach English to all 189 students and prepare their teachers for continuing education in English.

According to Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Lopez (“Lupita”), principal, her public school has no books at all – not in English, not in Spanish — no computers nor laptops, and worst of all, no English teacher.  This, in one of the world’s most luxurious resorts with cruise ships docked in sight  of the school, where many tourists do not speak Spanish yet expect hospitality staff to speak English.

Parents of these school children, who live in villages high above the coastline in the soaring Sierra Madre mountains hold some of Puerto Vallarta’s lowest level jobs:  dishwashers, maids, curiosity vendors — because they lack a knowledge of English.  Judith’s Reading Room hopes to end this cycle by offering outstanding children’s literature with early reader books in English and bilingual books.

A most incredible thing happened in October:  these same parents approached Lupita to tell her that their children needed to learn English.  Without resources, and despite repeated requests to school authorities in Guadalajara, she felt completely helpless.  Then, as if by magic, the founders of Judith’s Reading Room happened upon her school during an unplanned vacation week in Puerto Vallarta.

Judith’s Reading Room, a global non-profit literacy organization founded in 2010 in the memory of the founders’ cousin, Judith F. Krug, a librarian, has as its mission:  “to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.”  In this spirit, the organization has already dedicated 105 libraries in 23 countries, including one in Todos Santos, Mexico.  Upon learning the dismal reality of administrating an under-resourced public school in Puerto Vallarta, the Leibers immediately determined that these 189 children, ages 6-10 would within months receive books to create the school’s first-ever library.

Judith’s Reading Room reached out to local Pennsylvania partners — The Children’s Home of Easton, ProJeCt of Easton and Barnes & Noble, Center Valley PA to seek guidance on the most important children’s books to include in the collection — books proven to be effective in helping children learn English.

Today, parents are painting and outfitting the Judith’s Reading Room Library salon with custom-built shelves.  Parents will learn English along with their children and  in this manner, they will change the trajectory of generations.  They understand that with a command of English, they will no longer be relegated to the lowest rung of society, the lowest rung of employment.

The 106th Judith’s Reading Room library is named in honor of Ms. Lola Danielli, Cathy Leiber’s high school Spanish teacher who Cathy credits as being “the most important teacher in her entire life.”  About Ms. Danielli, Cathy says, “she inspired me to excel at Spanish, she enthused me with the thrill that comes from deeply understanding others in their own language.”  Ms. Danielli recently retired from teaching in the Acalanes School District in northern California after 58 years.

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Dozens of Books Donated To Children’s Home of Easton

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CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

 

What do #1 New York Times authors, Newbery Medal winners and National Book Award Winners Have in Common ?

Judith’s Reading Room Donates Dozens of Books To Children’s Home of Easton

January 10, 2024 — Easton, PA — Judith’s Reading Room, a literacy nonprofit organization established in 2010 in the memory of Judith Krug, a librarian, this week donated dozens of books by #1 best-selling authors, Newbery Medal and National Book Award winners to Children’s Home of Easton (CHE) in Easton, PA marking 12 years of sustained investment in the future success of at-risk youth.

Throughout the years, the organization has donated to CHE over 2,000 books valued at nearly $22,000 to augment their library under the direction of Marlene Arnholt, with the goal of instilling a love of reading by providing outstanding young adult literature.

“Establishing libraries filled with the right books for both advanced and struggling readers and organizing book clubs has been at the core of our literacy work around the world since 2010,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.

The mission of Judith’s Reading Room is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.  The organization has fulfilled that mission by dedicating 105 libraries (and counting!) in 23 countries with nearly 132,500 books donated worth $1.4 million.

In addition to establishing libraries around the world, Judith’s Reading Room supports its annual Freedom Through Literacy Award.  Teachers, librarians, authors, researchers, educators are encouraged to apply.  Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award are posted on the website www.judithsreadingroom.orgDeadline for receipt of applications is February 5, 2024.

 

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Barnes & Noble Customers – “A Season of Giving”

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

 Barnes & Noble Customers Define the True Meaning of 

“A Season of Giving”

December 20, 2023 — Blandon, Pa — Judith’s Reading Room, a literacy non-profit, applauds the staff and customers of Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, Pennsylvania for supporting it as their Holiday Book Drive Charity.  This holiday season, book lovers donated over 150 children’s books with a cover price value of $1,438.

The organization requested that employees emphasize the donation of teen books.  Their efforts proved successful and, as a result, three organizations that provide live-in services for at-risk youth will receive books for their Judith’s Reading Room Book Clubs.  Namely:  Children’s Home of Easton, Pa; Harkins’ House, Portland, Or; and, Louisiana United Methodist Family & Children’s Services, Ruston, La.  Each of these organizations stress the importance of literacy as a significant protective factor for children who come from families dealing with overwhelming issues such as loss of jobs, unsafe neighborhoods or family trauma.

Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, PA Store Manager, Paul Weisser

Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, PA Store Manager, Paul Weisser

“Our gratitude cannot be measured.  We appreciate the store management for choosing Judith’s Reading Room as their 2023 Holiday Book Drive Charity and profusely thank the associates for understanding the role books can play in helping kids manage tough times.  Their effort to encourage patrons to donate a book will give kids the unique, life-changing experience of participating in a book club,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.

Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.  We have fulfilled that mission since 2010 by establishing 105 libraries in 23 countries (and counting!) with over 132,000 books donated.  Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award may be found at www.judithsreadingroom.org.  Deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.

 

 

Start Someone’s New Year Off Right!

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CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.judithsreadingroom.org

Start Someone’s New Year Off Right ….. Nominate Them for the 
2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award
Deadline fast Approaching

December 18, 2023 —This season, give a gift of “Recognition” by nominating your favorite literacy champion —teacher, author, librarian, educator —for the prestigious 2024 Judith’s Reading Room ‘Freedom Through Literacy Award.’  Marking its 10th year, the Award recognizes champions of literacy from around the world for the impact they make on instilling in others the love of reading.  Apply at www.judithsreadingroom.org before the deadline of February 5, 2024.

To date, winners from 17 countries have collected more than $53,000 in prize awards.   Judith’s Reading Room was founded in 2010 in the memory of the founder’s first cousin, Judith F. Krug, who served as Director of Intellectual Freedom for the American Library Association for 40 years.  The organization’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.

LITERACY CHAMPIONS APPLY NOW:  www.judithsreadingroom.org

 

2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award Flyer

 

Judith’s Reading Room’s Alvin Irby CNN Heroes Finalist

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CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

Judith’s Reading Room ’s Alvin Irby CNN Heroes Finalist

Judith’s Reading Room recognized Irby as its 2019 Grand Prize Winner

December 10, 2023 —American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY — During tonight’s all-star tribute, CNN announced the top ten winners of its 2023 CNN Heroes competition.  Judith’s Reading Room is thrilled to acknowledge Alvin Irby, a Judith’s Reading Room 2019 Grand Prize winner.

Judith’s Reading Room is overjoyed to congratulate Alvin Irby, founder of Barbershop Books, for being recognized as a 2023 top ten CNN hero.  Six years ago,  Judith’s Reading Room highlighted Irby as its 2019 ‘Freedom Through Literacy’ Grand Prize winner for his creative approach to bring culturally-relevant, age-appropriate and gender-responsive books to foster literacy skills and a love of reading amongst young black boys.  We are thrilled that his work continues to resonate with people around the world.

CNN recognized his community-based program, Barbershop Books that creates inviting child-friendly reading spaces in over 250 urban barbershops for young black boys.

Annually, Judith’s Reading Room seeks champions of literacy like Alvin Irby — teachers, authors, librarians, educators, leaders of non-profit literacy organizations — anyone who instills in others a love of reading — to apply for the $5,000 award.  Apply now for the 2024 ‘Freedom Through Literacy Award,’ at www.judithsreadingroom.org. Deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.

Judith’s Reading Room, a 501 (c) 3 global literacy organization was founded in 2010.  Its mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.  It has achieved that mission by dedicating 105 libraries (and counting!) in 23 countries with over 132,000 books donated with a cover price value of $1.4 million.

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Judith’s Reading Room Sheds Light on Underprivileged Schoolchildren

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org

 

Judith’s Reading Room Sheds Light on Underprivileged Schoolchildren in Mexico’s Tourist ‘Hot Spot’

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — December 7, 2023 — In one of Mexico’s most glamorous tourist towns, where cruise ships dominate the skyline and fancy hotels like the Four Seasons and Vidanta attract wealthy visitors, children of the poorest families — whose parents serve as restaurant dish washers, resort maids, and sellers of handmade crafts on the local beaches — attend a public school without a library, without books, without computers or laptops, and without an English teacher.

After having been re-routed due from Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta due to the catastrophic CAT 5 Hurricane ‘Otis’ that hit and destroyed Acapulco on October 24, 2023, Judith’s Reading Room founders, Scott and Cathy Leiber, found themselves in Puerto Vallarta where they chanced upon Escuela ‘Agustin Flores Contreras’ and proceeded to introduce themselves to a teacher and then the school principal.

Judith’s Reading Room was founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug , cousin to the founders, who served for 40 years as the Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association in Chicago, IL. The mission of Judith’s Reading Room is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.

It was in that spirit and commitment that the Leiber’s engaged with Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Lopez (Lupita), principal of the school, who for two hours explained the trials and tribulations of educating children in the public school system without resources. The school serves 189 children, ages 6-10, who go home each afternoon without books.

Ms. Ramirez-Lopez explained that just two days before our arrival she had had a meeting with parents who expressed their anxiety about the lack of books — and especially the lack of teaching in English — that they felt their children would never come out from under the yoke of illiteracy. They implored Ms. Ramirez-Lopez to find a way to help their children learn English so that they could enjoy the benefits of jobs serving the world’s English speaking tourists. Without knowing any of this, the Leibers arrived and explained to Ms. Ramirez-Lopez the mission of Judith’s Reading Room and their strong desire to inaugurate a library at the school. It would be the organization’s 106th library and its 2nd library in Mexico.

A chance encounter — met with a strong desire on the part of parents and teachers — led to an immediate commitment — to purchase $1,000 in children’s books and to return in February 2024. The agreement involves the parents, some of whom are carpenters, who will volunteer and build shelves in the room that will be designated as the Judith’s Reading Room library. Furthermore, four members of the Board of Directors will fly to Mexico the week of February 19th to read aloud children’s books in English and who will engage with teachers and parents to encourage a life-long love of reading.

The 106th Judith’s Reading Room library will be named in honor of Ms. Lola Danielli, Cathy Leiber’s high school Spanish teacher who Cathy credits with having “changed my life.” Ms. Danielli retired from teaching after 58 years in the Acalanes School System. Over 200 former students and friends attended her retirement party.

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