feature community leaders

By JAINE TREADWELL

Children learn what is important in life from what they see that adults deem is important.

This week, children in the Troy area will see that reading is important to their community leaders.

As Troy Public Library celebrates National Children’s Book Week, Nov. 15 – 21, leaders of the community will take time from their busy schedules to visit the library to read to the children and let them know that reading is a skill that opens the doors of fun and learning.

"The purpose of this special week is to encourage the enjoyment of reading for children," said Teresa Colvin. "Children who read succeed in school and do well in life. Reading is a necessary survival skill in today’s society. And, when our children see that reading is important to us and to those who are leaders in our community, it becomes important to them."

Colvin said she had absolutely no trouble in enlisting readers for the week.

"Everyone I asked said yes without hesitation," she said. "They are excited to be a part of this experience for our children and we are excited to have them come in and read to our children."

Some of the special reader will be Rep. Alan Boothe, City Councilman Jason Reeves, Troy State Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., Pike County Commissioner Willie Thomas, Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, City Councilman Johnny Witherington, Troy State basketball coach Don Maestri and former state representative, Steve Flowers. Sue Schantz will also pay a visit to the library as "Mother Goose."

The reading at 1:30 on Thursday will be open to the public. All other dates are for the regularly scheduled classes that come to the library each week.

"During National Children’s Book Week, we want to encourage all parents to bring their children to the library and spend some time here with them browsing through our children’s library and, perhaps, read a book to them while they’re here," Colvin said. "What a lasting impression a parent can make on their child with something as simple that."

Colvin offered a helpful hint for parents who visit the library with their children.

"Let the children check out what they want to read," she said. "They are more likely to read a book if its one they want to read. And, always share your child’s excitement about reading."

Nov. 15, 1999 11 PM