Library's Reading Program Hosted by College Students

News Release

For additional information, contact Dottie Bibbee, professor of journalism, 304-424-8274.

"Reading the Water" is a unique reading program for area youngsters that is being sponsored by West Virginia University at Parkersburg students.

The college’s Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is joining forces with America’s Promise to sponsor the local reading activity.

Nell Higgins Orosco, WVU Parkersburg student and PTK public relations officer, and Brenda Taylor, children’s librarian at the Wood County Public Library, developed the "Reading the Water" program. It is being held from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at the library and is free and open to all area youngsters.

"I was visiting the library this summer with three of my grandchildren and saw a need for this program, " Orosco said. "There was a children’s reading hour program previously, but it failed due to the lack of volunteers."

The reading program’s title is associated with the 2000-2001 honors study topic for Phi Theta Kappa: "In the Midst of Water: Origin and Destiny of Life." A college Children’s Literature class taught by Dottie Bibbee and members of the local PTK honorary are serving as readers for the program.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for my class members to be involved in a child’s literature program," Mrs. Bibbee, PTK advisor, noted.

All of the reading selections will be associated with the honors study topic of water. Following the readings, a craft project related to the evening’s selection will be made by the participating children.

"I am so excited about the students of WVU Parkersburg being a part of a local mentoring program and at the same time fulfilling PTK’s and the college’s commitment to the America’s Promise program," Orosco noted.