Crowded on a colorful rug in the community room of the Arlington Public Library's Southeast Branch, a group of elementary-age children spent Monday evening listening to a storytime from the mayor of Arlington.
Mayor Jeff Williams visited the library during Reading Corps, a volunteer-based program that offers one-on-one reading tutoring for children in PreK through second grade. His visit began with an official proclamation recognizing the work of the AmeriCorps VISTA members who run the Reading Corps program.
"A VISTA, which stands for Volunteer in Service to America, is a one-year position that focuses on bettering an aspect of the community," library services manager Ivonne Kieffer said. "From recruiting volunteer tutors to reaching out to schools that have students who need reading help, this group runs our Reading Corps program."
Mayor Williams declared April 5, 2016, as a Day of Recognition for National Service, and presented the VISTA members with a signed copy of the proclamation.
"These individuals are here because they truly have a desire to make a difference in the lives of children," Kieffer said. "It takes a lot of passion to dedicate a year of your life to a cause, and seeing their efforts recognized by our city leaders is a wonderful thing."
Following the proclamation, Mayor Williams visited with the Reading Corps students and read three picture books to them. He also answered questions from the young audience, including "How do you like being a mayor?" and "Do you get to vote for the next president?"
Reading Corps is currently offered for children in prekindergarten to second grade at sites around Arlington. More information about the program and becoming a volunteer tutor can be found on the library's web site.
Library, News