GILROY
– An effort to get a library card in the hands of every Gilroy
public school student is being put on hold, but school district
officials have found another way for kids to be involved with the
local library during
”
Love of Literacy Week,
”
Nov. 18 through 22.
GILROY – An effort to get a library card in the hands of every Gilroy public school student is being put on hold, but school district officials have found another way for kids to be involved with the local library during “Love of Literacy Week,” Nov. 18 through 22.
Schools will have students write letters to the state supporting the city’s effort to land $11.4 million in grant funding to build a new Gilroy Public Library. The money would cover two-thirds of the cost of construction.
“It’s such a competitive grant now,” said Jackie Horejs, the Gilroy Unified School District’s assistant superintendent of educational services. “As a writing exercise, students can explain why they feel Gilroy should get a new library and what sorts of things they need.”
As for the library card effort, the district has decided to launch a drive later in the school year on a site-by-site basis. The Gilroy library does not have enough staff to process the thousands of new sign-ups organizers were anticipating.
“We more than welcome people to walk in and sign up on their own, but to process thousands of new applications, we just need more time,” said Children’s Program Librarian Linda Glawatz.
The library typically handles 90 to 150 library card applications per week, Glawatz said.
“Love of Literacy Week” is a first-of-its-kind celebration in Gilroy. It is the school district’s effort to engage the community in efforts to improve literacy here as well as increase the enjoyment of reading and writing.
In addition to having high-profile community members read to kids in class, the district is asking the community to take part in two other events next week.
“Turn Off the TV Tuesday” will be an opportunity Nov. 19 for families to read together rather than watch a television program. On Friday, Nov. 22, the district is asking the community to join in on D.E.A.R. time. From 1 to 2 p.m., people are being asked to “Drop Everything And Read.”
For more information on “Love of Literacy Week” or to volunteer, visit the district’s Web site at www.gusd.k12.ca.us. The district’s home page has been redesigned to provide immediate access to literacy week information.
