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2023 Literacy Chair Award Celebration

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NEWS RELEASE 
CONTACT:  Cathy Leiber

 Government Officials Declare Support of the
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
Judith’s Reading Room hosts 2023 Literacy Chair Award Winner

 

August 15, 2023 — Judith’s Reading Room, a global nonprofit literacy organization based in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, celebrated the winner of its 2nd Annual Literacy Chair Award — the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System — for its innovative “CCLS Road Trip” project, a summertime initiative that seeks to remind everyone that libraries have a lot to offer and encourages the public to get back into the library. 

More than three dozen Chautauqua-Cattaragus county library board members, librarians and library staff, teachers, and politicians joined Scott and Cathy Leiber, co-founders of Judith’s Reading Room, at today’s celebratory event at Bemus Point Public Library in western New York.  Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel, and a representative of Nicholas Langworthy’s (NY-23) Congressional Office and Andrew Goodell’s NYS Assembly’s office spoke about the importance of community libraries and underlined their support for librarians.  

Government officers recognize importance of libraries and underscore their commitment to them.

Government officers recognize importance of libraries and underscore their commitment to them.

Judith’s Reading Room voted the “CCLS Road Trip” project as winner of its  2023 Literacy Chair Award because the project perfectly addresses “summer slide,” the so-called loss of reading competency while students eschew books over more playful activities.  “The Road Trip instills a sense of wanderlust and each library showcases the perfect books for the perfect readers, thanks to the librarians who have created unique environments within their libraries,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.

In 2022, while on vacation, the founders of Judith’s Reading Room visited the Bemus Point Public Library and met its director, Shannon Donovan.  Donovan did a “first-rate” public relations job in explaining the “CCLS Road Trip.” For her enthusiastic support of reading for fun and for offering a unique, cozy feel at her library, it was decided that the 2023 Judith’s Reading Room’s Literacy Chair Award would be awarded to Shannon on behalf of the other 37 librarians in the CCLS system. 

 

Shannon Donovan receives recognition for her role in promoting the winning 2023 Literacy Chair Award. Sculpture by Kirsten Engstrom.

Shannon Donovan receives recognition for her role in promoting the winning 2023 Literacy Chair Award. Sculpture by Kirsten Engstrom.

LJ Martin, Outreach & Youth Services Consultant, CCLS, was also honored at today’s event.  Leiber acknowledged that the idea for the “Road Trip” had been created and incubated at the county level.  To encourage Martin and her team’s continued imagination and community outreach, she was recognized for the important role administrators play in executing county-wide initiatives. 

 

LJ Martin, Outreach & Youth Services, CCLS Library System created “Road Trip” program. She is presented with a Kirsten Engstrom sculpture.

LJ Martin, Outreach & Youth Services, CCLS Library System created “Road Trip” program. She is presented with a Kirsten Engstrom sculpture.

Judith’s Reading Room commissioned sculptor Kirsten Engstrom to design sculptures that would illustrate the power of literacy through art. Her clay sculptures of a seated woman with a beaming smile, holding an open book in her lap will grace the entrance at Bemus Point Public Library and at the executive offices of LJ Martin.  Engstrom’s work may be seen throughout Chautauqua Institution and in the town of Mayville, NY.

Judith’s Reading Room

Judith’s Reading Room, a 501 (c) 3 literacy organization was founded in 2010 in the memory of the founders’ first cousin, Judith F. Krug, 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 105 libraries (and counting) in 23 countries with over 132,000 donated books.  

Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award will be posted on October 5, 2023 at www.judithsreadingroom.org.  The Award honors individual champions of literacy from all disciplines around the world — teachers, librarians, authors, researchers, nonprofit literacy organizations and educators — anyone who has done exemplary work to instill in others a love of reading.  Since 2015, 60 champions of literacy from 17 countries have been awarded $53,000 in cash prizes.

 

2023 Literacy Chair Award

  By ,

NEWS RELEASE 
CONTACT:  Cathy Leiber

  Judith’s Reading Room names winner of its  2023 Literacy Chair Award
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System Highlighted for its Road Trip project

July 12, 2023 — Judith’s Reading Room, a global nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, announced today the winner of its 2nd Annual Literacy Chair Award — the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System — for its innovative “CCLS Road Trip” project, a summertime initiative that seeks to remind everyone that libraries have a lot to offer and encourages the public to get back into the library. 

From June 1st – August 31st, member libraries are giving away free Road Trip maps that pave the way for residents to visit the participating libraries, like a scavenger hunt.  Exciting programming, crafts and story time programs are offered at each library with plenty of incentives designed to excite families looking for something to do during the summer. 

“Based on the positive and fun feedback from those who participated last year and from our librarians, we are excited to see the community come out for this year’s Road Trip. We have 38 libraries in our system, and each one will offer families something different to enjoy this summer,” stated LJ Martin, Outreach & Youth Services Consultant, CCLS.

Judith’s Reading Room voted the “CCLS Road Trip” project as winner of its  2023 Literacy Chair Award because the project perfectly addresses “summer slide,” the so-called loss of reading competency while students eschew books over more playful activities.  “The Road Trip instills a sense of wanderlust and each library showcases the perfect books for the perfect readers, thanks to the librarians who have created unique environments within their libraries,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.

In 2022, the founders of Judith’s Reading Room happened upon the Bemus Point Public Library and met its director, Shannon Donovan.  Shannon did a “first-rate” public relations job in explaining the “CCLS Road Trip.” For her enthusiastic support of reading for fun and for offering a unique, cozy feel at her library, it was decided that the 2023 Literacy Chair Award would find a home in her library on behalf of all 38 system libraries. 

Judith’s Reading Room commissioned sculptor Kirsten Engstrom to design a piece that would illustrate the power of literacy through art. Her clay sculpture of a seated woman with a beaming smile, holding an open book in her lap will be awarded to Bemus Point Public Library Director, Shannon Donovan at a reception in August.  Kirsten Engstrom’s work may be seen throughout Chautauqua Institution and in the town of Mayville, NY.

The Award will be given at a reception in honor of the “CCLS Road Trip” project on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 3 p.m.  Librarians and “road trippers” are cordially invited.

Judith’s Reading Room

Judith’s Reading Room, a 501 (c) 3 literacy organization was founded in 2010 in the memory of the founders’ first cousin, Judith F. Krug, 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 105 libraries (and counting) in 23 countries with over 132,000 donated books.  

Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award will be posted on October 5, 2023 at www.judithsreadingroom.org.  The Award honors individual champions of literacy from all disciplines around the world — teachers, librarians, authors, researchers, nonprofit literacy organizations and educators — anyone who has done exemplary work to instill in others a love of reading.  Since 2015, 60 champions of literacy from 17 countries have been awarded $53,000 in cash prizes.

Reading for Fun at ‘Harkins House’ Builds Resilience

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NEWS RELEASE 
CONTACT:  Cathy Leiber

Literacy is a Significant Protective Factor for At-Risk Youth
— Reading for Fun at ‘Harkins House’ Builds Resilience —

9 May 2023 — Washington County’s Harkins House and Judith’s Reading Room, a global nonprofit literacy organization, today announced their latest collaboration to enhance Judith’s Reading Room’s library established there in 2012.

Today’s donation of 46 books curated by Harkins House staff is intended to provide books for fun for youth impacted by the Juvenile Justice System residing at ‘Harkins House’ in Hillsboro, Oregon. The donation is part of Judith’s Reading Room’s ongoing efforts to support the education and mental health of young people around the world.

The books cover a wide range of genres, from adventure and mystery to science fiction, and were carefully selected by Harkins House staff affirming that reading for fun can be a powerful tool to help young people navigate difficult times and build resilience.

“Research shows that reading for pleasure can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Our hope is that these books will provide a source of comfort, escape, and inspiration for the youth,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.

Judith’s Reading Room has donated a total of 581 books worth over $7,000 to Washington County Juvenile Detention Center’s ‘Harkins House,’ an organization that provides a range of services, including counseling, support groups, and mentorship, to help young people overcome challenges such as addiction, trauma, and family issues.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from Judith’s Reading Room,” said Martha Villegas, Juvenile Service Supervisor. “Reading can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth, and we know that these books will be a valuable addition to our programs,” she added.

Judith’s Reading Room was established in 2010 in the memory of the founders’ first cousin, Judith F. Krug, a librarian and Director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.  Its mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.  Its signature event, the annual Freedom Through Literacy Award honors teachers, authors, and librarians who have done exemplary work to instill in others a love of reading.   To date, the organization has dedicated 105 libraries in 23 countries, serving tens of thousands of children and adults with more than 132,000 books donated worth more than $1.4 million. To learn more, visit www.judithsreadingroom.org.

Thank you so much for stopping by we appreciate your support and taking the time to fly out to meet with staff and youth. Today I came to work and had youths handing me names of books to keep in mind for next time you are out, which say’s a lot about their enthusiasm of reading. These are youth who report never picking up a book to read for fun in their life.

Continue the good work! We look forward to fostering an ongoing partnership with “Judith’s Reading Room”. We have many ideas so we hope to apply for your grant/prize next year to support specific books that we can use in youth programming at Harkins House.

Martha Villegas
Juvenile Service Supervisor 

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Honorable Mentions-2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Finally, Honorable Mention Awards (no cash award) are given to those applicants who the judges want to acknowledge and think deserve encouragement.  The idea behind the Honorable Mention Awards is to propel the applicants to continue their literacy efforts and to apply for future Freedom Through Literacy Awards.

Cynthia Jacobsen, Ph.D. – “Rhyming to Reading:  Early Literacy Curriculum”
Longmont, Colorado

Cynthia Jacobsen, Ph.D. Speech Pathologist and Researcher, Longmont, Colorado for her life-work project, “Rhyming to Reading:  Early Literacy Curriculum.”  Dr. Jacobsen, co-authored Rhyming to Reading, an early literacy program for children 4-7 whose goal was to create a program to help young children learn skills that are highly predictive of early reading success. Thousands of children participated in the group classes at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics for 20 years prior to the COVID pandemic.  Dr. Jacobsen collected evidenced based outcomes and clinical data to develop the program.    She says, “Literacy instruction must be evidenced-based, with methods which are known to help children.”  For her life-time devotion to helping children and families learn methods to overcome literacy challenges such as dyslexia, Judith’s Reading Room wishes to give Dr. Jacobsen global recognition through an Honorable Mention.

“Literacy involves the entire family. When families know how to model early literacy skills in a fun and multi-sensory manner, children experience success.”

– Cynthia Jacobsen

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Joseph Tsongo – “Amani Academy for Peace Literacy”
Goma, North-Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Joseph Tsongo, Coordinator, Amani Academy, Goma, North-Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, for his project, “Amani Academy for Peace Literacy.”  Born in the middle of war in 1994 in the province of North Kivu, Joseph challenged himself to inspire young people to rebuild, despite the traumatic ordeals they were facing on a daily basis.  Since 2016, he has organized resilience and community building activities to promote a culture of active non-violence.  Through the Amani Academy, which he initiated in 2018, he introduces children to the basics of reading.  In 2022, Joseph was named a 2022 Mandela Washington Fellow, a program of the U.S. State Department.  For his determination to foster literacy and peace in the context of violent conflict, Judith’s Reading Room proudly recognizes Joseph Tsongo as a Freedom Through Literacy Award Honorable Mention.

“We use literacy to teach and communicate the culture of peace and life skills to young people affected by conflict and war.”        – Joseph Tsongo

Board Option Award-Pamela Laskin – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Board Option Award – $200

Pamela Laskin – “Diversity and Differently-Abled”
New York City

Pamela Laskin, author, New York City for her project, “Diversity and Differently-Abled.”  Two-time Freedom Through Literacy Award winner, Laskin has completed a series of picture books that capture the world of those who are differently-abled; in particular, those without speech, and what it means in a family.   She reads these books aloud in public school classrooms with the goal to educate a mainstream audience.  Laskin says, “books have been written about children with special needs, but what makes my project innovative and creative is that the books are written from the point of view of the young people who ARE differently-abled.”  Through her work, this diverse population will no longer be marginalized.  For her insistence in presenting differently-abled people, she is helping establish human dignity with a focus on what can be done, not what can’t, Judith’s Reading Room awards Pamela with a USD$200 Board Option Prize.

“Reading and writing are marriage partners. Literacy happens when young people are engaged on both levels.”

–  Pamela Laskin

 

Board Option Award-Evangelia Ritzaleou – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Board Option Award – $200

Evangelia Ritzaleou – “School Reading and Creative Writing Club”
Drama, Greece

Evangelia Ritzaleou, award-winning high school teacher, Drama, Greece for her project, “School Reading and Creative Writing Club.”  Evangelia knows what she is talking about when she documents the effects of book clubs on kids — she has, after all, headed up a Reading and Creative Writing Club at her school for 15 years.  Her efforts have resulted in kids feeling that they are “equal” members of a club, and with this new-found confidence, they become effective speakers, writers, critical thinkers, listeners and communicators.  Evangelia has expanded her school library from 20 books to 530 and boasts that her school library serves not only as a place for reading and writing but also as a refuge for introverted kids.

She says, “Joining a Reading and Creative Writing Club is a path from literacy to critical literacy and that lifelong readers have the culture of reading instead of being addicted to social media.”  For her passionate commitment to enriching the lives of high school children through the beauty of a book club, Judith’s Reading Room awards Evangelia a USD$200 Board Option Prize.

“Reading must be seen as an engaging entertainment.”

– Evangelia Ritzaleou

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Board Option Award-Colin Bloom – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Board Option Award – $200

Colin Bloom – “Creating a Library for Literacy“
New York City/Mpumalanga, South Africa

 

Colin Bloom, 16-year-old New York City high school student and founder of a literacy nonprofit for his project, “Creating a Library for Literacy at the Senianya Primary School in Mpumalanga, South Africa.”  Colin is a standout on multiple levels:  as a teenager, he established a nonprofit, Libraries for Literacy, has dedicated two libraries in impoverished rural South Africa, has assertively insinuated himself into partnerships with global entities, and has shown tenacity, drive, entrepreneurship, compassion and a desire to learn and improve from each experience.  As Colin points out, “Learning to read without books is like learning to play soccer without a ball, impossible but relevant to many South African kids who are expected to become literate without access to books.”  For his spirited determination to use his life to work towards the goal in which all children have access to a good education, Judith’s Reading Room awards Colin with a USD$200 Board Option Prize.

“Learning to read without books is like learning to play soccer without a ball.“

– Colin Bloom

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Update’s From Colin!

April 28, 2023

A big thank you to you and Judith’s Reading Room for their generous support of Libraries for Literacy. I included pictures of the two library openings, stocked with English, Sepedi and Xitsonga books for the kids.

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Board Option Award-Victor Owuor – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Board Option Award – $400

Victor Owuor –  “Pathway to Alternative Learning Education (PALE)”
Nairobi, Kenya

Victor Owuor, after-school program coordinator, the Sunflower Trust, Nairobi, Kenya for his project, “Pathway to Alternative Learning Education (PALE).”  As World Literacy Ambassador since 2022 representing Kenya, Victor understands what it means when one lacks resources to attend school:  He was born and bred in the informal settlement of Kibera slum, Nairobi.  Sunflower Trust works in partnership with community schools to identify girls, in the fifth grade, who are at risk of ending their education early and transitions them to the after-school, part-time PALE program.  At PALE, literacy groups help the girls develop critical thinking, communication and reasoning skills.  Sunflower is also committed to involving parents and caregivers through focus groups and one-on-one meetings.   The girls are challenged to write their own books which has encouraged them to read a variety of books to borrow ideas for their own stories.  “Literacy as leadership and a form of justice is at the core of our programming,” said Owuor.  He added, “while there are many literate youths in the world, there are few who are truly freely literate — whose voices are heard, whose opinions and beliefs are listened to and honored, and who have the ability to fully express themselves and be who they want to be.”  For his dedication to changing lives one at a time, Judith’s Reading Room awards Victor with a USD$400 Board Option Prize.

“Free literacy is not simply the ability to read and write fluently but the ability to freely express oneself.”      
– Victor Owuor

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JUDITH’S AWARD – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Judith’s Award – $1,500

Amber Drinen – “R.E.A.D. in Beauty Bookmobile”
Chinle, Arizona

The $1,500 Judith’s Award winner is Amber Drinen for “R.E.A.D. in Beauty Bookmobile” project, an initiative of Chinle Planting Hope in Chinle, Arizona, a Native-controlled nonprofit that supervises the Bookmobile which serves 34,000 members of the Navajo Nation, where there is no public library.

There is great excitement about the Bookmobile, according to David Goldberg, MD, who notes in his letter of reference, “There is an ambitious, thoughtful plan to bring books and library programing to the communities surrounding Chinle.  Lives are about to be enriched; memories will be formed; and sparks of wonder are in the offing.” For example, Bookmobile staff provide assistance with laptops, internet and STEM activities while maintaining the on-board library of 10,000 catalogued books for children K-12. 

“Children must experience the joy of a good story and what it means to lose yourself in the pages.”
   – Amber Drinen

GRAND PRIZE – 2023 Freedom Through Literacy

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Grand Prize Award – $2,500

Ty Jackson – “The Danny Dollar Entrepreneur Fair”
Fresno, California

The $2,500 Grand Prize goes to award-winning children’s book author Ty Jackson for his youth financial literacy project:  “The Danny Dollar Entrepreneur Fair,” Fresno, California.  Ty, a previous winner of the coveted Judith’s Award, developed a creative program based on his book, Make Your Own Money:  How Kids Can Earn It, Save It, Spend It, and Dream Big.   The Danny Dollar Entrepreneur Fair premiered in 2022 in Pittsfield, MA where 300 fifth graders read his book and learned how they could start making, saving and spending money now. This program is successful because it makes reading fun and empowers kids to bring their ideas into the world. 
 

” We believe that children are more likely to pick up the habit of reading if they are introduced to books that are fun, relatable, and interesting.” 

       – Ty Jackson

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