“Freedom Through Literacy”
Est. 2010 in memory of Judith F. Krug
Judith’s Reading Room, a 501(c)3 based in eastern PA is proud to announce its selection — for the 2nd year in a row — as the Barnes & Noble Wyomissing PA 2021 Holiday Book Drive Charity. Beginning November 1st, and running straight through the holiday season — patrons at the location can donate a book or two at checkout for a child in need and forever change that child’s life.
Diversity and inclusion in the classroom starts early in Harrisburg, PA schools, thanks to the leadership and initiative of an exemplary 2nd grade teacher. Derek Witmer, winner of a 2021 Judith’s Reading Room Freedom Through Literacy Award, developed and curated a “Diversity and Inclusion” library at Paxtonia Elementary School as a tool to share with fellow teachers.
In celebration of Banned Books Week, Scott and Cathy Liber, co-founders of Judith’s Reading Room, visited Titcomb’s Bookshop, Sandwich, MA. On the right, is Ellen Speers, manager of this outstanding independent bookstore founded in 1969 in MA by the Titcomb family. Titcomb’s Bookshop had a large display of banned books in honor of the week….
With her philosophy of “reading is fun-to-da-mental (fundamental),” Ms. Joicki Floyd began her Y.O.U.T.H. program to enable students in finding motivation, positivity, and a love of reading in the face of difficulty. Y.O.U.T.H. works with students who may not see themselves as readers and uses strategies like Socratic Seminars, discussion panels with city officials, and open mics, to spark change in their mindsets. A crucial element is Joicki’s engagement with the community; to her, seeing your neighbor or local store owner with a book in hand is as important as working directly with students.
Grand Prize Award – $2,500 Angela Chalkiopoulou, “Alice in Writer’s Land”LIMASSOL, CYPRUS Writing, dancing, drawing, prancing… these are just a few activities you might see in educator Angela Chalkiopoulou’s classroom. Using the power of creativity and inquiry, Ms. Chalkiopoulou’s Alice in Writer’s Land project helps foster both a sense of wonder and resilience in the…
Judith’s Award – $1,500 Joicki Floyd – “Y.O.U.T.H. (You Open Up Then Heal)”NEWARK, NEW JERSEY With her philosophy of “reading is fun-to-da-mental (fundamental),” Ms. Joicki Floyd began her Y.O.U.T.H. program to enable students in finding motivation, positivity, and a love of reading in the face of difficulty. Y.O.U.T.H. works with students who may not see…
Board Option Award – $400 Sue Goatley – “Jabulani Community Literacy Programme”ZAMBEZI REGION, VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE Often times, a student without the proper support early in their schooling, may struggle to obtain the foundational literacy skills to advance their formal education. Sue Goatley, with her organization Children in the Wilderness, established an after school community…
Board Option Award – $300 Derek Witmer – “Diversity and Inclusion Library”HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Second grade teacher Derek Witmer’s care and attention for honoring his students and their experiences has led to the creation of a curated library of books addressing important topics such as general diversity, acceptance, gender identity,and familial make ups. In recognition of…
Board Option Award – $300 Lisa Gerard – “Little Read Wagon”NORMAN, OKLAHOMA Tackling communities with “book deserts” in the town of Norman,Oklahoma, Lisa Gerard began a mini library at a local laundromat in 2020. From there, the reading ball started rolling!Since that laundromat library, Lisa has added a lending library and a volunteer program in…
Honorable Mentions Lisette Caesar – “Mirroring Our KidsEAST HARLEM, NEW YORKLisette’s steadfast efforts to create libraries that reflect her students and their lives earns her an Honorable Mention. CBS NY clip on Lisette Caesar’s “brainchild” Book Vending Machine at Mosaic Prep Academy in NY Simon Ke – “Mobile Library Project”SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA We honor Simon…