The My Very Own Library Initiative Continues Fourth Year in Newark

On Wednesday, February 18, My Very Own Library, supported by the family and friends of the late Anne Feeley (1954-2012) and the Foundation for Newark’s Future, and together with Scholastic Book Fairs, will host special Scholastic Book Fairs at 21 Newark Public Schools. More than 14,000 students will walk away with free new books. Each student will choose three free books on Wednesday, with nearly 43,000 books being given away.

In addition to the book giveaway, children’s book authors Coe Booth, Dan Poblocki and Andrew Harwell will visit schools throughout Newark to talk with students about their books, and how they were inspired to become authors. Coe Booth, author of Kinda Like Brothers, will visit Chancellor & South 17^th; Dan Poblocki, author of The Ghost of Graylock, will visit Peshine Ave & Brick Avon; and Andrew Harwell, author of The Spider Ring, will visit 13th Ave & Ivy Hill. In coordination with these MVOL events, local author and philanthropist Joy Lindsay will inspire students at multiple schools with her Butterfly Dreamz book & interactive literacy program.

Music will also play a role, as 88.3 WBGO will bring their jazzy read-aloud program to MVOL Schools over the next two weeks. WBGO on-air talent will read the book, When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat by Muriel Harris Weinstein, and will engage students in a discussion about jazz and literacy. WBGO will visit GW Carver, Elliott Street School McKinley, Oliver Street School, Peshine Avenue, and Luis Munoz Marin.

“Through our multiple partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and parents, My Very Own Library distribution weeks are woven into the fabric of school communities,” said Foundation for Newark’s Future President and CEO, Kimberly McLain. “This reflects our strong belief as a foundation in the importance of engaging whole families in the power of literacy.”

All 21 MVOL school partners will also host family engagement events throughout the weeklong MVOL celebrations. These fun family friendly events will bring together community members, and provide parents with helpful tips and resources on how to best support healthy reading habits at home.