For the second year in a row, the Tinian Public Library, AmeriCorps and Tinian Elementary School have sponsored the summer reading camp.
AmeriCorps members and site supervisors launched this program last year with 36 students. This year 108 students participated.
Brenda Safer, site supervisor from Tinian Elementary School, has been the driving force behind this activity in collaboration with Tinian librarian Richard Creecy.
Through the federal Community Development Block Grant, the island’s library was able to purchase books and reading materials as well as furniture worth $30,000 to make the reading program possible.
According to Geri Willis, AmeriCorps program coordinator, Tinian Elementary School will be more involved in the program.
Children will read books selected by their teachers in the Star Reading Program and their comprehension will be tested by the school’s brand new computers.
AmeriCorps has eight volunteers on Tinian headed by Brenda Safer, a reading arts teachers, and Sandra Ilo, a high school language arts teacher.
Librarian Richard Creecy said he is delighted with the AmeriCorps program and appreciates the support provided by the Tinian municipality, the legislative delegation and the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. for securing the federal grant.
“We also appreciate the confidence that the parents have placed in us to nourish their precious children,” he said.
