Creating Room To Read

Creating Room To Read

Can you imagine a secondary school with over 600 students and
fewer than 20 books? Sadly that kind of reality exists in many parts
of the world. The stuff we take for granted when it comes to our
children's education--pencils, paper, books--is out of the reach of
many of their peers around the world. This frustrates me as a parent,
a school board member, and a member of the human race. We just don't
get how truly blessed we are and why it's crucial that kids all over
this planet at least start to catch up with us. It is also why I was
so excited to find John Wood's Creating Room To Read on a trip to
Bangor Public Library.
Wood says that he won the lottery of life. His father was able
to attend college on scholarship and bring John and his siblings up in
a nice neighborhood with access to good schools and library. John
himself was on a promising career path with Microsoft when a trek in
the Himalayas turned his life upside down. He was invited to tour a
local school and was horrified to see that the books for all the
students were crammed into a cabinet the size of a minifridge. The
headmaster made a most prophetic statement: "Perhaps, sir, you will
someday come back with books."
Wood left Microsoft to embark on what would become his life's
work: creating libraries for schools in the poorest and most neglected
parts of the world. Then one thing led to another. Schools were
built so children would have the literacy skills to read. Because
they are often disadvantaged educationally due to limited finances and
prejudice, scholarships were endowed to get girls through secondary
school. Publishing children's books by local authors was needed so
kids would have reading materials in their own language...
This is a truly heart warming and inspiring book. I consider it
a must read for all who truly care about children and education.
On a personal note, I had a truly magical experience last Thursday.
It was a Julie and the Bug Boys family concert out behind Orono Public
Library. The hill was covered with fans, all happy to be enjoying
perfect weather after a series of rainy days. The kids had just
started summer vaca. Lotta smiles all around. Tasty refreshments
were sold for very reasonable prices. The music was beautiful. My
friend, Pam, did not disown me for dancing with the little kids. Then
there was this song that felt like Julie had read my very soul. When
I heard the chorus which was about reaching for stars and following
dreams I just couldn't take my eyes off her face. After the concert
she told me she had noticed that. I was so lucky to have that
experience. It caused my soul to take flight. Many people go through
whole lives without moments like that.
A great big shout out goes out to Julie and the Bug Boys, Kiwanis,
Friends of the Library, TD Bank, our children's librarian, Louise, and
all others who went all out to make sure the community had such a
totally enchanting event.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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