Meneley volunteers share love of reading

A passion for the written word, for sharing books and promoting literacy, has kept Meneley Elementary's share-a-book volunteer program going strong into its third year.

"They all have a fanatical passion for children's literature and reading," Dianne Deadrich, Meneley's librarian, said on Friday. "It's a good, positive, win-win situation for everybody. The kids love it, the teachers love it, and the volunteers come away feeling great.

"They do so much for these kids, and have gone beyond whatever we dreamed would happen."

Bonnie Silsby, former Meneley principal Brian Frazier, and Brenda and Bob Chambers started share-a-book by recruiting volunteers, training with literacy experts and coordinating with classroom teachers.

Now 12 strong, the group of parents, grandparents, retired teachers and just good-hearted citizens spend 30-45 minutes per week with classes ranging from kindergarten to the third grade.

"They come from all over," Deadrich said. "And they come with all kinds of experience that they like to share."

Reading specialist Lisa Bytheway figures out what teachers need, Deadrich said, where they are in their curriculum and how volunteers can help.

"They're trained to be consistent with what the teachers are doing," Deadrich said.

She said sometimes volunteers dress up in costumes, or bring artifacts from places they've been, whatever adds to a specific book. For example, volunteer Sheila Dill brought in a quilt to compare to another of similar design in the storybook "All the Places to Love," by Patricia MacLachlan.

"They try to bring experiences beyond the school," Deadrich said. "It's kind of like having a nice, warm, loving auntie or grandma come visit you. The kids love them."

The group, some of which also work with the Douglas County Public Library, meets several times a year to swap books and discuss plans.

"They really have a passion for reading and great books," Deadrich said. "It's fun to all get together at the table around a pile of books."

Currently limited to Meneley, the group hopes to expand the program to other sites in the future.

"It takes real commitment," said Deadrich. "It's incredible what they do."

Those interested in volunteering should contact Bytheway at lbythewa@dcsd.k12.nv.us or 265-3154.