Library Awarded Literacy Grant

— The Bentonville Public Library recently received a $10,000 grant to help the library partner with schools to improve literacy in families who struggle to learn English.

About 817 students participate in the Bentonville School District’s English as a Second Language program. Those students represent 37 languages, said Kimberly Burgess, high school English as a Second Language designee.

At A Glance

Chinese New Year Celebration

The Bentonville Public Library will host a Chinese New Year celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. today in the Walmart Community Room. Activities include a traditional Chinese lion dance, a snake storytime in honor of the Year of the Snake and crafts. The library is at 405 S. Main St.

Source: Staff Report

The American Dream grant is designed to help whole families learn together through cultural and literacy programs.

“We want to target the parents of kids in schools,” said Hadi Dudley, library director.

Burgess said parental involvement is “priceless” when it comes to the success of their children. She said parents of English language learners can serve as a bridge for children as they acclimate to a culture and school system.

“By addressing the entire family and not just the student, you are investing in and empowering parents,” Burgess said. “Empowering parents will encourage them to be active in our community, to be involved in their schools and be confident in helping their students at home each evening.”

A first step is to get English language learners into the library, said Sue Ann Pekel, children’s librarian. The Bentonville library plans to host cultural events, such as the Chinese New Year celebration set for 2 p.m. today, to draw in families and show them available services.

The library has a patron base that includes families from around the world that work in the city’s global business community. In May 2010, 30 participants from 14 countries took part in a U.S. naturalization ceremony at the library.

“Bentonville is truly a global community,” Pekel said. “People come here from all over the world to do business.”

The library offers material and assistance for the path to U.S. citizenship, including an online program through its Learning Express Library. It also provides bilingual storytime and family literacy days. Language learning services are available online through Mango Languages. Eighteen English as a Second Language programs are offered through Mango.

“We want to bring parents into the library so they can see the resources that are available,” Pekel said.

The grant will fund activities and help expand the library’s collection of materials for English language learners. Pekel plans to purchase more easy reader books and additional citizenship materials.

Burgess said the library is a valuable partner in the educational community.

“This grant opportunity will help the library continue to embrace diversity and provide support in a unique way,” she said.

The American Dream Starts @ Your Library grant is paid for through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Bentonville library previously received an American Dream grant to assist with its citizenship programs.

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