CARIBOU, Maine — Earlier this year, the Caribou Public Library launched a weekly program in which Loring Job Corps students visit for half an hour and read to local children.
Children’s Librarian Erin Albers said the program started at the beginning of the school year, and that it will take place every Monday from 4 to 4:30, unless the library is closed.
“We got a call from a supervisor at Job Corps about this,” Albers said, “and learned they were doing this nationwide.”
While not initially intended to be a continuing program, Albers said she eventually pitched the idea that “this could be an ongoing thing,” causing the library and Job Corps to offer the reading sessions on a weekly basis.
The reception from local youngsters, according to Albers, has been a “mixed bag” so far, which she said is likely to change once word gets out about the program.
“There are some weeks when nobody’s here, sometimes we only have one child and one parent, and there are weeks where we have a larger group,” Albers said. “We hope that, as people talk about the program, it will grow.”
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- Nadif Abdikadir reads “I Love My Daddy Because…” to children at the Caribou Public Library on Oct. 16 as part of a weekly program both organizations started earlier this year. (Christopher Bouchard)
The Job Corps students can choose to visit the library just once, or multiple times.
“We’ve had a couple readers who are very enthusiastic and energetic,” Albers said. “They get the kids involved and ask questions about the pictures they’re seeing, they want to encourage kids to be excited by reading.”
Children were relatively quiet for the half-hour session as five Job Corps students took turns reading to them. While reactions varied depending on the reader and the book, most caused the children to lean forward in their seats, listening intently.
Nadif Abdikadir read, “I Love My Daddy Because…,” to the children on Oct. 16, and said it was his second time coming to the library to read.
Abdikadir signed up for Job Corps this year and plans on obtaining his high school diploma along with numerous certifications offered via the program. Once he finishes, Abdikadir plans on attending college.
He said he would come back to read again if asked, adding that “it’s a good experience.”
Brandon Cortis, who has been at Job Corps since July 11 of this year, has read to Caribou children three times so far.
Like Abdikadir, Cortis plans on obtaining his high school diploma at Job Corps and seeking a college education after graduation. He is specializing in automotive courses and hopes to eventually open his own business.
Cortis read, “The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?” and said he would definitely come back again.
“It’s pretty cool getting off campus, exploring the town, and being able to help others,” Cortis said.
