Library program lets young readers donate livestock

Participants in the 2019 Summer Reading Program have the chance to purchase livestock for families in countries such as the Philippines. Reading groups meet at the Cordova Public Library, seen here on Sunday, July 14, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times
Participants in the 2019 Summer Reading Program have the chance to purchase livestock for families in countries such as the Philippines. Reading groups meet at the Cordova Public Library, seen here on Sunday, July 14, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times

While reading groups often offer stickers and trinkets to motivate children, Cordova Public Library’s Summer Reading Program has chosen a bigger prize: livestock. Participants in the Universe of Stories program will be able to contribute to the purchase of cows, goats, pigs and other animals for overseas families.

Each hour spent reading earns a 55-cent sticker that can be put toward the purchase of an animal chosen by the child. The animals will be purchased through development nonprofit Heifer International.

At weekly meetings, silent reading time is paired with read-alongs, crafts and games designed to inspire empathy for people in other cultures, said Debbie Carlson, library director, in a release. At the reading group’s Wednesday, July 10 meeting, children were read a Filipino picture book and made pan de sal, a traditional Filipino bread. The program’s first livestock purchase was of a flock of poultry for a family in the Philippines.

The Universe of Stories group will meet each Wednesday through the end of July. However, readers can participate outside of meetings until the beginning of the school year on Aug. 21.

The Cordova Public Library has applied for a $200 grant from the Alaska State Library and is accepting donations. This funding would allow the project to purchase additional animals.

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