PCL’s Summer Reading in the Schoolyard takes library on the road

Providence Community Library will deliver summer reading opportunities to students who do not have access to regular library services over the school vacation months via its existing mobile library. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Providence Community Library will deliver summer reading opportunities to students who do not have access to regular library services over the school vacation months via its existing mobile library. / COURTESY PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

PROVIDENCE – Providence Community Library was awarded a renewable, three-year $89,320 grant from the United Way of Rhode Island to support its Summer Reading in the Schoolyard program, which began July 5 and will deliver summer reading opportunities to students who do not have access to regular library services over the vacation months via its existing mobile library.

Cheryl Space, PCL’s youth services coordinator, said the library is working with the schools and recreation departments to reach as many children as possible.

“The project directly supports the mayor’s summer learning initiative and, by issuing library cards to all students and arranging library visits for their classes, we are encouraging children to stay involved with their local library,” she added.

PCL’s mobile library carries more than 4,000 popular youth books and is outfitted with a sound system, shade tents, tables and chairs, “life-size” board games, Wi-Fi and computers. Access to free e-books will be available to participating children on electronic devices and software will track their daily reading time.

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The following select PPSD elementary schools and city recreation centers will be featured on the mobile library’s schedule:

  • MONDAY: Asa Messer Elementary (morning) and William d’Abate Elementary (afternoon)
  • TUESDAY: Leviton Dual Language (morning) and Robert F. Kennedy Elementary (afternoon)
  • WEDNESDAY: Young & Woods Elementary (morning) and Reservoir Avenue Elementary (afternoon)
  • THURSDAY: Frank D. Spaziano Elementary (morning) and George J. West Elementary School (afternoon)
  • FRIDAY: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary (morning) and Harry Kizirian Elementary (afternoon)
  • In addition, the mobile library will visit summer sport day camps operated by the city’s recreational departments.

    The eight-week program will also issue participating children a public library card to further encourage library patronage.

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