International Literacy Day to be celebrated with Read-a-thon at Library on Saturday

This day, which is observed annually on September 8, was announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. This collaborative effort between UNESCO, USM students, Jet Blue and the Library was spearheaded by Marcellia Henry,Secretary General UNESCO St. Maarten, Morenika Charles-Arrindell, PJL’s Activity and Public Relations Coordinator, Shellian Ramchandani, Supervisor Jet Blue, Patti Maier, instructor of the EDU 351 course at USM, and Joseanne Peterson, who presently reads to children on Saturdays at the library. Four students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program at USM will read stories to attending children. The student-teachers participation will fulfill a requirement for their course in Reading and Language Arts at USM, as they prepare for student teaching next year. Maier and her students have collaborated on many events with the library such as the Anansi Storytelling Festival, Baby & Toddler Programs, and countless other puppet shows and festivals, that foster learning through storytelling. Children attending Saturdays Read-a-thon can expect to hear and participate in fun, exciting and interactive stories as well as arts and crafts activities, which will be delivered by the USM students and other invited guests. The event is open to children ages 4-10 years old. Interested persons can contact the library at Tel#542-2970 for more information. Caption: USM Instructor, Pattie Maier, introducing her students to attending children, during their Puppet Show event at the library’s Baby & Toddler Room in 2013 (PJL file photo)