September 8th marked both the first day for New York City public schools and International Literacy Day. In honor of this celebration, the Brooklyn Reading Council along with Friends National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa-Theta, and Popular Literacy Club held their annual book giveaway at the Spring Creek Towers’ (SCT) shopping center from 8am to 5pm.
International Literacy Day was developed in 1966 by the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as a human right. It emphasizes how crucial literacy, the ability to read and write, is for people throughout the world so, that they can be empowered to live and work in their community.
According to UNESCO this year’s theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Space, focuses on rethinking “the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.”
After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the annual book giveaway once again returned just in time for the first day of school, where hundreds of children were able to grab reading materials before and after classes were dismissed.
“I’m an educator who vehemently believes that books just open the world to young children and have certain habits of stablish. But in addition to that, this is International Literacy Day and our whole goal of the global charge is to help eradicate illiteracy. So, that’s part of the reason why we’re here is to expose our children and their families to literature, interests, and enjoyment,” Yvette Grant said, a former schoolteacher and coordinator of the book giveaway.
Grant along with several other volunteers received close to a thousand book donations, which they then spread across several folding tables (each divided into age-appropriate sections). Children and their parents were able to peruse through the selection throughout the school day, picking up as many books as they wanted.
Danielle Bryant was happy to see such a wide collection of books to choose from for her seven- and three-year-old children.
“They have a lot of good books for the kids, I love it! I’m looking for books they would be interested in, things that help with their imagination and teaches them,” Bryant said, adding that the event is a perfect opportunity for those who may be financially struggling or lack of time to visit the public library.
“Because everybody, unfortunately does not have a library card. Sometimes parents can’t get to the library, and it just helps to show that they’re giving back to the community to help these kids with things that they don’t always have access to,” Bryant said.
Irene Anderson agrees that the book giveaway is an excellent resource for individuals in the community. Over the summer she makes sure to spend at least 30 minutes of reading time with her seven-year-old son, working on pronunciation and comprehension.
“Not everyone has funds to purchase books for their kids. So, free access to books is always a good thing,” Anderson said.
Photos by Amanda Moses
