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Link to Libraries takes on new literacy program for homeless

Date: 9/17/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

HAMPDEN — The neat stacks of books in the warehouse area of Link to Libraries represents more than just a literacy effort. The books and donated toys also mean a little stability for many homeless children living in area shelters and motels.

Susan Jaye Kaplan, co-founder of Link to Libraries, explained to Reminder Publications the volunteer organization is undertaking a new program Reading Any Place that will supply books and a toy to 1,500 homeless children currently living in shelters. The program is collaboration between Link to Libraries, HAP Housing and the state's implementation of the McKinley-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

The children in the program will receive a tote bag with an age- and language-appropriate book, a toy and information for parents on the importance of literacy. Every time they see a caseworker they will receive another book.

The program will serve children in Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Westfield and West Springfield. Gail Baquis is the project director for Link to Libraries.

Thanks to a donation by Hasbro Games, each child will also receive a toy, most of them being travel editions of popular games.

George Burtch, vice president of Hasbro Games, said the company "has a keen interest in education" and has its owns summer learning initiative.

Donating the toys and supporting Link to Libraries "allows you to do something rather than talk about it," Burtch said.

Burtch added that while Massachusetts has ranked highly on some national surveys of education, when one sees the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Survey reading scores he noted, "We know the challenges we face here."

Burtch said the Read Any Place program "allows you to do something rather than talk about it."

"We can't thank George enough," Kaplan said.

Jennifer Kinsman, donor relations manager for HAP Housing, said she distributes the Reading Any Place tote bags at orientation meetings of homeless families. She said parents are very grateful that while they listen to information they need to know to gain permanent housing solutions, their children can read or play.

Kinsman added that as the families see a caseworker, they receive additional books for the children.

Kaplan said Link to Libraries is now ordering books suitable for middle school children as part of the program.

Kinsman explained that many homeless families put their belongings in storage, but lose the furniture, clothing and more when they aren't able to pay the storage fees. Subsequently they lose everything.

Link to Libraries has donated 39,000 books at school libraries and other organizations so far this fiscal year, Kaplan said. The program has expanded into communities in Connecticut as well as North Adams, Greenfield and Worcester, she added.

For more information on Link to Libraries go to www.linktolibraries.org.