CASA GRANDE, AZ – Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland is challenging business and community members to impact the lives of students by volunteering with the Mayor’s Reading Club. On Wednesday, July 19, Mayor McFarland and Councilwoman Donna McBride will host a “Meet and Greet” at the Main Library to provide information and answer questions about this special volunteer opportunity.
Volunteers are asked to commit one hour each month between September and April to read in local classrooms. The program takes place in the early part of the school morning with readers visiting three to four classrooms for fifteen minutes each. The Casa Grande Library supports the volunteers by scheduling readers, sending reminders, and even helping find the perfect age-appropriate book for the classroom.
“For those who have flexible schedules, this can also be a positive volunteer opportunity,” said Mayor Craig McFarland. “What a great way to have a few friends join with you and make it a monthly occasion. Reading to our kids will help promote literacy, volunteerism and positive interaction with our schools.”
Since its inception in 1998, the Mayor’s Reading Club has grown to include 45 readers who are active in all nine Casa Grande elementary schools, in addition to Legacy Charter School and Grande Innovation. The program is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and partnerships with the schools and the Casa Grande Public Library.
“I find this hour of reading as important to me as to the young listeners,” said Councilwoman Donna McBride, who has been volunteering with the program for nearly five years. “It gives me a challenge to find that perfect book from our library and watch the book come alive through their eyes. It gives me a time to support literacy, visit different schools and engage with the kids.”
The Mayor’s Reading Club “Meet and Greet” will take place on Wednesday, July 19from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Main Library, located at 449 N. Drylake Street. APS will be providing refreshments as attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program.
For more information, please contact Library Manager, Amber Kent at (520) 421-8710 ext. 5110 or email her.
