Community groups and Cape district host pre-summer book party
Local community groups came together at Lewes Public Library June 2 for members to show their shared love for reading.
Participating organizations included the Sunshine Circle Club, Community Minority Liaison Committee, Sisterhood Book Club, Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, Cape Henlopen School District and the Lewes library.
“This was our first event in collaboration with our community, and it was a great success,” said Jenny Nauman, assistant superintendent at Cape Henlopen School District. “I am hoping this is just the first of many because I so enjoy working with our community groups to make Cape Henlopen School District an even better place to work and learn. It takes a village, and our work to support our students and families must include all stakeholders.”
During the event, families had the opportunity to receive free children’s books, enjoy refreshments and sign up for a free library card. Families also could register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an international program founded in 1995 that mails free books to children from birth to age 5. Since 2016, Imagination Library has mailed over 1 million free books each month to children around the world.
“Research has shown that early reading for children helps with their success in school,” said Hattie Bull, event organizer and member of the Sunshine Circle Club. “Collaborations like this with the community groups and the Cape Henlopen School District help to increase all children’s chances of success.”
During the event, local author Michelle Meadows also hosted a read-aloud for students and families. Meadows is the author of nine picture books for children. She loves to create stories using rhythm and rhyme. Her books focus on creating connections with others and showcasing compassion, helping others and doing what is right to make the world a better place.
The event was open to the public and all Cape district families were invited to attend. “The book party helped to encourage parents to read to their children, and for the children to read to them too,” said Bull.
“I love books, and I want all of our families to have access to books and love reading as much as I do,” said Nauman.
