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White Street School benefits from Link to Libraries program

Last week, White Street School became the first recipients of the Link to Libraries program. (left to right) Principal Geraldine A. Barrett and White Street Librarian Louise M. Pulaski accept the donation of 60 books from Link to Libraries members Susan Jaye-Kaplan and Janet Crimmins. Reminder Publications submitted photo
By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD Give an avid reader a great book, and they are likely to sing its praises from a rooftop. At least that was the thought process behind the electronic book group, the Great Reads Book List, an informal group of over 60 women and men from all walks of life and all over the United States that includes American International College President Vince Maniaci and Go Fit founder Susan Jaye-Kaplan.

Twice a year members send, via e-mail, their list of up to five "Great Reads" which is then published by Jaye-Kaplan, who oversees the group, and is e-mailed to all participants. Members are then able to go out and purchase any book(s) that has piqued their interest from the suggested list. But a local newspaper article got Jaye-Kaplan thinking about those avid readers out there who are not as fortunate to go out and purchase a book of their choosing; especially school-aged children whose school libraries are not equipped to supplement what youth may not be able to receive otherwise.

That's when Link to Libraries was formed, and last week, their first donation of books was delivered to White Street School in Springfield.

"I was reading an article on a public school in Springfield that had few books and few open library hours at the school," Jaye-Kaplan recalled. "I thought to ask my 'Great Book Reads' members to consider contributing a book to donate or making a donation of $12 for those who had less time to book shop. I wanted the books to be those that would not be chosen at random but would be new books with a diverse collection of literature of all genres that will help children of all cultural backgrounds learn about their world while developing language and literacy skills."

To enhance the school libraries be it a school or a non-profit organization that deals with underserved youth Link to Libraries assists with the collection of new literature.

"We felt that new books were/are what they needed as this population sees many secondhand things in life as it is," Jaye-Kaplan said. "New books with a clean scent and fresh pages are a great beginning to opening the mind. These boys and girls are our future and deserve the best."

Within a week of Jaye-Kaplan approaching the Great Reads Book List members for help, she had over 60 books.

Link to Libraries member Janet Crimmins, who is a speech and language therapist in the Springfield Public Schools, assembled the book list for White Street School.

"These children deserve brand new books. Children need to have a school library equal to a public library. I think they are more likely to look at a book that has a brand new shiny cover and the pages aren't wrinkled," Crimmins said.

Jaye-Kaplan was so thrilled about the White Street School donation that she wants to keep the momentum going. She said they have already been inundated with new requests from schools, non-profits and hospitals. To keep donations possible, they are hoping that members of the community will join in helping youth get the books that they need. The program is not just limited to the Springfield area and also spans the entire Western Massachusetts area. Link to Libraries is already getting collections going for Brunton School in Springfield and Square One in Holyoke.

Crimmins said those interested can contact them to learn of a title to purchase, send a check for $12, make a cash donation or purchase a bookstore gift certificate.

"By replenishing these stacks in our school libraries we are giving them the raw material that they need to become life-long readers," Crimmins added.

To learn more about Link to Libraries send an e-mail to litlink@hotmail.com.