"There's an activity table off to the side. It is colorful, filled with sand, and has stuff to move around with magnets. This is where they go first. I've accepted this, but also position myself to intercept them on their way, presenting the brightest-covered book in my arsenal. "Would you like to listen to a story?" I ask in a voice that says "this really is the most awesome opportunity you're ever going to be offered while in a doctor's office waiting room."
Two of them give me a strange look, unconvinced. The other actually looks torn between the two options. I let him off the hook, suggesting he play first and then come back if he wants to hear a story later.
I read a book to myself, out loud; just loud enough so that it appears interesting, yet softly enough so that they would have to silence the activity table to hear me. They do just that: silence and listening. For some reason they must be re-invited before they'll give in to a book.
When we've reached the end of a book, I'm handed three more, from three different hands. "Read this one next!" We reach the end of our fourth when someone walks over and tells them it's time to go.
One stands up, puts his hand on my shoulder and says, "Mom, look," as if to say, "Look what I found."
They all wave to me, smiling as they leave and I feel that for a short moment my books and I were something surprising and wonderful that they have found... something like treasure."
Beth Carter
Kalamazoo Public Library Volunteer Reader
"I volunteer for Ready to Read on Tuesdays in the waiting room of the Kalamazoo County Department of Human Services. It is a wonderful time for me and the children. They are so eager to have someone read to them and if they can read, I let them read a couple of books to the group. Their favorite books are “Goodnight Gorilla,” “Don't Wake up Mama” and all the “Spot” books because they get to help me by lifting flaps to see what is there!"
Betty Sanford
Kalamazoo Public Library Volunteer Reader
"Every week I volunteer at a Loaves & Fishes food pantry distributing emergency food supplies. The pantry serves many families so I have the opportunity to give a lot of Ready to Read books to preschool children. Recently a 4 year old child’s eyes lit up as he grabbed "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed." His mother couldn't believe the book was free! This is just one more reason to love Ready to Read."
Nancy Kehrle,
Loaves and Fishes Volunteer