NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Cathy Leiber
www.JudithsReadingRoom.org
Judith’s Reading Room Inaugurates its 111th Library
at East Harlem’s Acclaimed Mosaic Preparatory Academy
March 14, 2025 —Judith’s Reading Room announced that it has inaugurated its 111th eponymous library at the prestigious Mosaic Preparatory Academy in East Harlem, New York City that serves 235 scholars, grades 3K-5th grade with a custom collection of 221 mostly STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and animal books.
The most studied number in math, Pi, is observed on March 14 since the numbers 3, 1 and 4 are the first three significant digits of Pi. Judith’s Reading Room heralded the significance of Pi Day by curating a collection of recently published STEM books on diverse topics like math, physics, robotics, astronomy, architecture and construction.
The entire Fourth Grade attended the ceremony that included heartfelt remarks about the importance of reading by Superintendent Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, Principal Daliz Vasquez and School Librarian Ariel Birdoff. Students participated by speaking up about what books had grabbed their attention and why.
Ms. Birdoff told Judith’s Reading Room that “Mosaic Preparatory Academy’s Library is in need of recently published science and animal books. Our nonfiction section is more than 10 years old! It is the oldest collection in our library.” To modernize the STEM section, today’s donation of 221 books with a cover price value of $2,557 includes: Tinkeractive Math, How the World Works, The Science Collection, Listopia: Space, Robotpedia, Where the Animals Go: Tracking Wildlife with Technology, Encyclopedia of Dogs, ROBOTICS Engineering and OCEAN!
In addition to becoming a named Judith’s Reading Room library, Mosaic Preparatory Academy is also honored by being included in the organization’s “15th Anniversary Celebration in 2025.” In a bold move, the board of directors voted to dedicate up to 15 new or enhanced libraries around the world in 2025. The libraries stretch across 4 Oceans and 4 Continents.
The “Libraries to Celebrate Our 15th Anniversary” — Dedication Dates
- Bright School/TEACH Rwanda, Muhanga, Rwanda — January 7
- Escuela ‘Agustin Flores Contreras,’ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — January 15
- Read for Literacy, “Real Men READ-y,” Toledo, Ohio — February 3 — JRR Library #109
- Avery Chapel AME Church, Southaven, Mississippi — February 15
- Watch Me Grow Learning Academy, Grenada, MS — February 15 — JRR Library #110
- Mosaic Preparatory Academy, East Harlem, New York — March 14 — JRR Library #111
- Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services, Ruston, Louisiana — April 1
- Washington Co. Residential Center’s ‘Harkins House,’ Portland, Oregon — April 4
- Heavy Sound, Edinburgh, Scotland — May 30
- James Prendergast Free Library, Jamestown, New York — July 31
- Chinle Planting Hope, Navajo Nation, Chinle, Arizona — November 1
- Kirioruwa School, Marabedda, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka — TBA
- Vhulakanjhani Primary School, South Africa — TBA
- Janata Adharbhut Vidhyalaya, Kathmandu, Nepal — TBA
Mosaic Preparatory Academy & Judith’s Reading Room have a long history. Judith’s Reading Room has supported various initiatives at MPA since 2021 when it donated 98 books to celebrate its “Book Vending Machine” dedication. Later that year, the organization donated 240 copies of celebrated author Ty Allan Jackson’s Danny Dollar Millionaire books and sponsored his appearance at the school. In 2022, Judith’s Reading Room honored its retired and beloved principal, Dr. Lisette Caesar with the organization’s inaugural “Literacy Chair Award.” In 2023, the organization supplemented the Book Vending Machine with an additional 61 books.
Judith’s Reading Room was founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug, distinguished librarian and first cousin to the founders who served as Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association for 40 years.
Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. That mission has been fulfilled by establishing 111 libraries (and counting!) in 25 countries with 134,000books donated worth over $1.4 million dollars. To learn more about Judith’s Reading Room, its libraries and awards, please visit www.judithsreadingroom.org.
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From: Ariel B
Date: March 14, 2025 at 11:33:44 AM EDT
To: Cathy
Subject: Thank You!
Hello, everyone!Thank you so much for joining us today for Judith’s Reading Room’s 111th library on 111th street on Pi Day! Today was a truly special event, made possible by Cathy and Scott’s incredible generosity. Thanks to their help, and dedication to literacy, our nonfiction section now has brand new, up-to-date books about science, technology, engineering, arts and math. These books will be an integral part of our students’ future nonfiction projects, as well as the books they choose to read for pleasure. The Mosaic Preparatory Academy Library is a special place, and we are so lucky to be a part of such a strong school and surrounding community. Thank you, Cathy and Scott for being a part of and believing in our wonderful community. I know these books will spark curiosity for years to come.Thank you, Dr. De La Cruz, Ms. Vasquez, and Ms. Wilson for coming. Ms. Mallette and I relish any time we get to talk about books and students. Ms. McNamara, thank you for bringing down one of Mosaic’s most enthusiastic, yet quiet readers… and one my favorite classes (shh, don’t tell).I am attaching some photos I took from the event. Thank you again, everyone!**** photos coming soon ****
