NEWARK, NJ — Newark schools are planned to receive 240,000 books donated by a United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) program.
Throughout the month, the program will distribute 10 free books per child at 35 participating Newark district schools, totaling 24,000 students, in celebration of the University of Chicago’s My Very Own Library’s (MVOL) 10th anniversary.
The program aims to promote childhood literacy and foster an interest in reading for children. Since it was founded in 2011 in Newark, the program has provided more than 2 million books to elementary school students.
“Youth empowerment and literacy are core pillars of our work and My Very Own Library is a key program in our community,” UWGN President and CEO Catherine Wilson said. “At a time when children have been separated from their friends, peers, and teachers, missing out on crucial social and emotional bonds that are created when children are physically in school, My Very Own Library has been filling an important gap, pivoting its services to meet local needs.
“We are excited to celebrate this important milestone and look forward to continuing to increase access to quality educational resources and services for young children and their families,” Wilson said.
During the pandemic, the program has pivoted in order to continue its efforts to provide free access to an online library of literacy resources and virtual books from nationally recognized authors like Newark native, Tami Charles. With the support of the University of Chicago, MVOL has helped increased the number of books and resources from women and authors of color.
The program began in eight Newark district schools and has expanded each year. The program currently operates in 35 schools. Before the pandemic, students attended Scholastic book fairs twice a year where they would select five free books.
Additionally, award-winning children’s authors participated in school visits to discuss their books and handed out autographed copies. At the end of each school year, each participating school selected an All Star Reader who was recognized for their outstanding literacy achievements.
United Way and Scholastic have been committed partners of the district for many years and we are proud to accept this incredibly generous donation of 240,000 books,” said Newark Superintendent Roger León. “The My Very Own Library initiative continues to provide additional literature to every child in elementary school enabling them to build their very own libraries at home, improving their comprehension skills which are essential to academic growth and success, and opening their minds to endless possibilities and academic pursuits.”
The following Newark schools in the program are:
- Abington Avenue School
- Ann Street School
- Avon Avenue School
- Belmont Runyon School
- Camden Street School
- Chancellor Ave School
- Cleveland Elementary School
- Dr. E. Alma Flagg School
- Dr. Willam H. Horton School
- East Ward Elementary School
- Elliott Street School
- Franklin Elementary
- George W. Carver School
- Harriet Tubman School
- Hawkins Street School
- Hawthorne Avenue School
- Ivy Hill School
- Louise A. Spencer Elementary School
- Lincoln School
- Luis Munoz Marin School
- McKinley Elementary School
- Mount Vernon School
- Oliver Street School
- Park Elementary School
- Peshine Avenue School
- Quitman Street School
- Rafael Hernandez School
- Ridge Street School
- Roberto Clemente School
- South 17th Street School
- South Street School
- Speedway Academies
- Sussex Avenue School
- Thirteenth Avenue School
- Wilson Avenue School
See Article At: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/sections/giving-back/articles/24k-newark-district-school-students-to-receive-book-donations
