Heroes Needed to save Library Story Hour

Published: June 06, 2013 | Read Time: 2 minutes

As they’ve done in semesters past, SUU’s Gerald R. Sherratt Library would like to continue offering a weekly story hour this summer, but before opening its doors to local children with tales of dragons and fairies, a few real life heroes are needed to save the day.

Now a week into summer classes, the library is seeking student volunteers who wish to complete a service-learning project this semester by helping library administrators coordinate a weekly one-hour story time through the summer.

According to Phil Roché, SUU librarian, student volunteers in semesters past have selected a story to read and coordinated a project or activity to go along with each week’s story, targeting the interests and abilities of children ranging in age from three to 12 years old. These volunteers have generally come through the college of education, though the volunteer positions are open to any interested student. Volunteers can use these service hours to further their EDGE projects as well.

Service Learning has long been a priority within SUU’s educational model. In fact, encouraging students to become engaged citizens is part of the University’s mission statement, with a vision of students and alumni who create positive change in the world.

Roché has seen firsthand the impact of a Sherratt Library-sponsored story hour in years past and is confident the program can continue to create positive change by building bridges between the young student’s mindset and the collegiate environment. He explains, “This is a chance for the University to introduce higher education to children, showing them that college is a place to have fun and reinforcing the innate joy of learning.”

Given the University’s recent advancements in experiential education through the EDGE (Education Designed to Give Experience) program, such an opportunity as the library story hour volunteer position is just no less beneficial to SUU’s students.

The EDGE program ensures every undergraduate student’s education includes hands-on, applied learning. This experience integrating one’s studies into real-world, cross-disciplinary settings gives SUU students an edge upon entering the job market above other college grads whose education remained solely rooted in classroom discussion and book learning.

Roché says he has seen past student volunteers for story time strengthen their communication and teaching skills; become more confident in their own ideas and in the creative process; and reap the personal benefits and self satisfaction that comes through helping others.

In addition to summer volunteers, Roché welcomes fall semester applicants as well.

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