Dozens of Books Donated To Children’s Home of Easton

NEWS RELEASE

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.

 

## END ##

 

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.

 

 

Author Jerry Spinelli Chats with Judith’s Reading Room and Teens from Children’s Home of Easton

On May 5, 2013, members of the Judith’s Reading Room Board of Directors hosted teens from the Children’s Home of Easton on a trip to Malvern, Pa. to meet Newberry-winning author Jerry Spinelli. The group spoke to the author at the People’s Light and Theater before attending the play adaption of Spinelli’s novel Stargirl.

jspinelli2Spinelli, who won a Newberry Award in 1991 for Maniac Magee and a Newberry Honor in 1998 for Wringer, spoke with the group for an hour and half. Topics ranged from his first rejected novels to his zeal for pet rats. The teens from Children’s Home Of Easton, all of whom are members of the Judith’s Reading Room weekly book club, had just finished reading his novel Stargirl. The teens asked questions and had their books signed.

When asked why he writes for children and young adults, Spinelli pointed out that writes books about children but not specifically for children. “I let the kids rise up to the story,” Spinelli emphasized. He’s also an advocate for losing with grace. In our times, he explained, we feel a need for everyone to win all the time, to the point that when our children and young adults meet their inevitable first failure they feel lost.

jspinelli3

On the subject of writing, he spoke about how he had sent his first novel to forty publishers, all of whom had rejected it. All four of his first novels were rejected. His fifth book, Space Station Seventh Grade, was published in 1982. His overarching message: “Never give up.”

Judith’s Reading Room appreciates Jerry Spinelli for taking the time to meet and  speak with the teens at Children’s Home of Easton and members of the Judith’s Reading Room.  For more information on Jerry Spinelli, Star Girl and his other books including the ones below, please visit his website www.jerryspinelli.com.

Stargirl by Jerry SpinelliSpace Station Seventh Grade by Jerry SpinelliWringer by Jerry SpinelliManiac Magee by Jerry SpinelliHokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli

  • Donate Now

    We ask that you please make a donation to Judith’s Reading Room, in support of our ongoing recognition of what is being accomplished in the great world of literacy, as well as funding our shipment of children’s books, both domestically and internationally.