Rotary Reads program visits local classrooms

The Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club recently held the seventh annual “Rotary Reads” program in local elementary schools.

Steve Risley of the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club organized the event and was assisted by 13 volunteers from the club and 14 volunteers from Libertyville High School INTERACT Club.

The philosophy behind the “Rotary Reads” program is to encourage reading at the very early elementary levels by the participation of members of the public.

Libertyville Sunrise Rotary supplied each reader with a bag of books as a gift to each classroom. After delivering the books, each “reader” was there to not only read to the students but to also ask questions about how reading is emphasized in the classroom. After each story time, the students were given an opportunity to ask the reader questions.

The high school INTERACT Club’s participation has been a fantastic part of the program, and the high school students enjoyed it so much that most have already volunteered for next year.

In all, Adler, Butterfield, Copeland, Rockland, and Oak Grove schools received 250 books through this year’s event.

“The success of this reading program shows what a wonderful type of citizenry we have in Lake County, which allows such a great interaction between people of all ages,” Risley said.

The program has been a great success and will be expanding into Waukegan schools in November, with two schools involved initially and 500 books donated.

The club is always accepting new members and welcomes individuals who would like to try out the breakfast meeting and experience. Call Bob Zamor, (847) 367-0511, or visit www.libertyvillesunriserotary.com.

The Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, an international humanitarian service organization. The club meets at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Lambs Farm on Route 137, near the Tri-State tollway.