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It’s been so nice seeing people back in the library and we’ve even begun some in-person programming. Thanks to mobile shelving and high ceilings, we’re able to welcome residents back to the library safely, in limited numbers and wearing masks, for adult and children’s programs. We understand some residents are vulnerable and others feel safer limiting contact so virtual programming also continues. Take a look at our events calendar to see what works for you:
https://notlpubliclibrary.libnet.info/events
One program that hasn’t paused is the Books to Jamaica project. It’s a more behind-the-scenes program that started over 15 years ago shipping children’s fiction and non-fiction weeded from the library to rural Jamaican schools. The program began when Abe Epp, a local tender fruit grower and employer of migrant workers from Jamaica, visited the island with Uton Bell, a long-time employee of Epp Farms. Mr. Bell introduced Mr. Epp to the principal of the Garden Hill Primary School who explained that books were so limited children weren’t allowed to take any home and had to remember on what page they stopped so they could continue reading at the next opportunity.
Mr. Epp approached the library about discarded children’s books and ever since that visit to Jamaica, he’s sorted, packed and paid for the books to be shipped. Eight years ago, Dave Hunter, currently vice chair of the library board, broadened the project to include books collected from other Niagara Region libraries. Last year, library board member Betty Knight, joined the project and brings her expertise in choosing culturally appropriate books. As Ms. Knight explains, “Training teachers in Sierra Leone, West Africa, off and on over a decade sure gave me great insight into the importance of books being culturally appropriate. That's why non-fiction books are always my first choice to send, followed by picture books. This time we also have lots of board books to hook the children early, on the love of reading.”
Recently, Jane Andres interviewed the former principal of Garden Hill Primary School who remembered the very first shipment of books moved the student’s reading levels up to the national standard. For Mr. Hunter, this drove home the importance of his work on the project; "Driving around collecting books from libraries here in Niagara is a long way from having any feel for what the actual impact of the books might be. It wasn't until I watched Jane's interview that all of a sudden the project really came alive. I mean we have not only raised literacy levels, we have actually helped young people toward careers that take them beyond their rural, impoverished villages."
Mr. Epp is now in his 90s and retiring from the project this year which has expanded to include the Pringle Home for Children, a charity that provides assistance to abandoned, orphaned, and street children. We thank Mr. Epp for all the time, effort and money he’s put into a program that’s made such a difference in so many young lives. We also thank Mr. Hunter and Ms. Knight for their continued. If you’d like to contribute to Books to Jamaica, please contact me at csimpson@notlpl.org.
Read on for more details about library programs, services and books that make a difference in our community and I look forward to seeing you at the library!
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