Montgomery County Public Libraries Connects Children with Older Adults Through Its ‘Read Across Generations’ Practice Reading Aloud Program, July 8 through Aug. 10

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 20, 2024

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) — in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA), Heyman Interages Center — will offer the “Read Across Generations” Program at several library branches this summer from July 8 through Aug. 10. The program, formerly known as “Grandreaders,” pairs a previously selected JCA volunteer with a child from kindergarten to third grade to practice reading aloud one-on-one.

The program will operate at the Aspen Hill, Gaithersburg, Rockville Memorial, Wheaton and White Oak libraries. No registration is required. Participants can bring their own book or select one from the library.

“Inspiring our youngest residents to read is one of the most important things we can do to support the education of future generations,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Having a reading partner can make reading fun and engaging. We appreciate the Jewish Council for the Aging, Heyman Interages Center, and the volunteers for their involvement in our Public Libraries’ ‘Read Across Generations’ program. This initiative not only promotes literacy but also fosters meaningful intergenerational connections within our community.”

JCA staff have selected, vetted and trained the JCA volunteers participating in this summer program in communication and intergenerational interactions.

Details on the reading program:

• Aspen Hill, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd. Rockville. Thursdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
• Gaithersburg, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave. Gaithersburg. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
• Rockville Memorial, 21 Maryland Ave. Rockville. Fridays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Wheaton, 11701 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring. Tuesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.
• White Oak, 11701 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring. Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m.

“We are delighted to again offer this literacy program at Montgomery County Public Libraries,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “It is designed to improve students' ability to read more fluently and with better comprehension and to keep their reading skills sharp during the summer months.”

For more information on the “Read Across Generations” program, visit the calendar of events section on the MCPL website or contact Clotilde Puértolas at [email protected].

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Release ID: 24-289
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Library