May 31, 2001 Chances to Lend a Hand Reading Is Fundamental It's
accepted wisdom that when children read, they develop wider
vocabularies, score higher on intelligence tests and display
more enthusiasm to pursue higher education. But many children
don't have access to books, even at school. School libraries are
notorious for being inadequately staffed. Many of them are dark,
unwelcoming spaces in overcrowded schools. Some are open only in
the mornings, while others don't have the personnel to open at
all. Volunteers are needed to fill libraries with more employees
and helpers, people who would create activities and programs
like story times and reading contests and help students find
books and use computers. You can help by participating in the
Light Up a Library program at Tarzana Street Elementary School.
Volunteers are needed to work in the library when the paid staff
members are absent, approximately once a week. With the help of
volunteers, a school library can be a fondly remembered place
where the seeds