HOPE – Clinton Primary School first grade students who have excelled in reading will have the beginnings of their own library as the result of a donation of children’s books and bookshelves to the early literacy program at Clinton Primary School.
\r\nThe First United Methodist Church donated books and bookshelves to first graders selected from the early literacy program Wednesday.\r\n
\r\nEach of the 33 children received a selection of books already shelved in a free-standing single shelf built by FUMC members. Both the bookshelf and books become the property of each child, and are donated to encourage summer reading, according Marlon Ward, FUMC member.\r\n
\r\n“This is the fourth year that we have done this; and, it’s something that Dan Rohrbaugh saw done elsewhere and brought to us to do,” Ward said.\r\n
\r\nShe said more than 100 stocked bookshelves have since been built and donated to CPS students.\r\n
\r\nRohrbaugh said the idea comes from a history of literacy encouraged by the pioneer circuit-riding Methodist ministers in Arkansas, who provided books to families in their preaching circuit.\r\n
\r\nMost of the books are purchased with funds raised from the annual FUMC Fourth of July Celebration, and volunteer donations, as well as the donation of slightly used books, Ward said. The church also accepts donations of slightly used books, she said.\r\n
\r\nBookshelf builders included Rohrbaugh, Bob Lewis, Jerry Monroe, and Diane Willmon. Ward and Carey Rohrbaugh spearheaded the book collection.\r\n
