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You’ve probably seen the colorful WHRO Public Media Literacy Van driving around the community. The immersive van program for schools is just one way the WHRO education team enjoys promoting reading to local students. Our education specialists also offer free books to students through our First Books program, conduct reading camps in the summer and teach reading workshops for parents. Now we have a new way to promote reading to local families — by partnering with local libraries.
WHRO Public Media is celebrating the launch of six new WHRO Kids Library Corners throughout Hampton Roads. Each Library Corner is equipped with a PBS Kids Playtime Pad loaded with learning apps, and a bookshelf that will be stocked regularly with books for children to enjoy. Each Library corner also has assorted bookmarks, fun books, and stickers. This dedicated reading area for children and families will regularly provide learning resources for parents.
Parents explore the WHRO Library Corner in the main branch of Hampton Public Library.
WHRO and library staff will collaborate to regularly bring fun and exciting family engagement programs to the library corners throughout the year. Additionally, there will be opportunities for the library corners to receive visits from the WHRO Literacy and STEM vans as well as visits from popular PBS Kids characters. The Library Corners are made possible in part through support from the Blocker Foundation.
WHRO Library Corners have been opened in the following locations:
- Hampton Public Library, Main Branch
- Portsmouth Public Library, Main Branch
- Cradock Branch Library, Portsmouth
- Poquoson Public Library
- Morgan Memorial Library, Suffolk
- Windsor Woods Area Library, Virginia Beach
In a Facebook post about the new addition, Morgan Memorial Library, in Suffolk, explained the benefits of the new space. “The WHRO Library corner is a fantastic opportunity for young readers to discover new books, practice their reading skills, and grow their love for reading; as well as making helpful resources more accessible to their guardians.”
WHRO Education staff members Alice (left) and Alexis (right) pose with Clifford the Big Red Dog at the grand opening of a library corner.
Research has shown that engaging children in storytelling from a young age builds brains that are hard-wired for creativity. By flexing their creative muscles, children build skills in dialogue, cause and effect, character development, and even world-building within reading. Early literacy skills translate into socioemotional dexterity.
Through WHRO’s partnership with local libraries, children in Hampton Roads will find a safe and nurturing place to gather, explore new books, develop their literacy skills and — hopefully — cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
The Library Corners are made possible in part through support from the Blocker Foundation.
Want More Reading Fun?
Tune in each week for Ms. Martha Reads, a digital series featuring stories written by local children.
Join us on Facebook every Friday at 10 a.m.
WHRO is proudly owned by the 21 school divisions in the southeastern Virginia region. Learn more about the many educational resources that WHRO Public Media provides to educators and families.
