The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) recently recognized the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) for its innovative International Storytime program.
Students and members from a cultural awareness club at East Lansing High School paired with the ELPL to create the International Storytime program. Students from 
different countries read their favorite books—first in their native language and then in English—to younger students.
“My goal was that the kids could hear books like the Rainbow Fish in Japanese and English,” says Mary Hennessey with the ELPL. “Hopefully they understand that even though we might have a lot of differences with people in the world, we still have a lot of similarities.”
This the second time the ELPL has received national attention for a reading program. In 2002, the ELPL was recognized for its Stories in the Garden Program. Through this program, high school students read to kids in the children’s garden at Michigan State University (MSU) throughout the summer.
“Since we’re in such a diverse community, we do a lot of multi-cultural programs,” Hennessey says. “It’s one of the greatest things about living in this area.”
The ELPL also received $1,000 from the USBBY for the program.
Source: Mary Hennessey, ELPL
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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