“At Scholastic, we have seen first-hand that a book can be life-changing in the hands of a child. The right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read and realize themselves,” said Karine Apollon, VP & General Manager of Scholastic Education.
Last week, DHS, the New York City Department of Education, Scholastic, CAMBA, NYC Service and the New York Public Library came together for a “Story Play” read along event to celebrate the life-changing power of reading at the Flagstone Family Center—a Brooklyn homeless facility for families with children.
As part of an ongoing initiative known as the DHS Family Shelter Library Pilot Project, the Flagstone Family Center unveiled its new library in support of a larger effort to encourage young children to enjoy reading, as well as teach parents the skills necessary to read to, and interact with, their children. To celebrate the launch of the new Flagstone Family Center library, Brooklyn Public Library Outreach Associate Odette Larroche-Garcia read How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?, by author Jane Yolen and illustrator Mark Teague. Families in attendance also received free books provided by Scholastic and a special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog®.
Since the DHS Family Shelter Library Pilot Project began in 2015, Scholastic has donated over 3,000 books and a total of 30 libraries in Families with Children shelters have been created throughout New York City.
Don’t miss the fantastic coverage of this “Story Play” event on News 12 Brooklyn and check out some top tweets, below!
"The love of reading is being shared with all of our students thanks to @Scholastic's great gift" - @NYCSchools Deputy Chancellor Weinberg
— NYC Service (@NYCService) April 27, 2016
Clifford is here! Thanks @Scholastic for your donation of 3K+ books @NYCDHS Family Shelters. Reading is key! pic.twitter.com/t2Lnsys3vl
— NYC Service (@NYCService) April 27, 2016
A HUGE thank you to @scholastic for their generous donation of 3K books to @NYCDHS family shelters across the City pic.twitter.com/iXL1PBkwIS
— NYC Service (@NYCService) April 27, 2016
"Access to books beyond the school day is critical" -Karine Apollon @Scholastic on the power of reading & literacy for all @NYCSchools youth
— NYC Service (@NYCService) April 27, 2016
Story time at our Flagstone Family Center, with @Scholastic, @NYCSchools &@NYCDHS pic.twitter.com/HICwcpBcAM
— CAMBA Inc. (@CAMBAInc) April 27, 2016
Image via NYCHomelessServices
