With a substantial Grant from
the Rotary Foundation,
this Project aims to expand Rice Public Library's collection of Spanish-language children's books, focusing on chapter books for grades 2 thru 6. The object is to promote literacy, inclusion, and cultural awareness among Spanish-speaking families, especially US Navy families.
The Library has found that the greatest need is chapter books (juvenile literature with short chapters and fewer illustrations than picture books) for children who are old enough to read. These chapter books will help Spanish-speaking students and families share literature in their native language while also bolstering bonding among students when they are reading the same books each in their native language.
No other nearby library offers a substantial Spanish-language collection. Our Library hopes to become a more frequent destination for families who have not traditionally used library services. Building this collection is an investment in the children and families in Kittery and - through statewide sharing - across Maine. In addition to financially supporting these chapter book purchases, our club will also donate bilingual cookbooks to complement the new collection. Such cookbooks can support family engagement while reinforcing reading, math, and nutrition skills.
