WITF Launched Free Literacy Play Space at CASA in York with York County Libraries
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harrisburg, PA – January 29, 2020 – Last week, WITF President & CEO Ron Hetrick joined York County Libraries Youth Services Director Paula Gilbert, CASA Pennsylvania State Director Thaís Carrero and community members to unveil the WITF Family Play and Learn station located at CASA York.
“CASA is proud and excited to partner with WITF to host the first WITF Family Play and Learn here at CASA in York. This space is more than an area for our kids to play while families visit CASA to receive services or meet with other community members,” said Carrero. “It will support our children’s early development, help us preserve our native tongue, and break language barriers. This partnership demonstrates that we make a bigger impact when we work together.”
The WITF Family Play and Learns are based on the national program from the Laundromat Library League called “Wash & Learns”, which works with partners to install these types of literacy spaces in laundromats throughout the country.
“WITF is dedicated to providing opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Hetrick. “Offering a high-quality literacy and play space for families during unstructured waiting time is the perfect way to increase access to education opportunities.”
In partnership with CASA, the WITF Family Play and Learn will be at the heart of the York community, hosting events that engage underserved families in literacy activities that include access to English, Spanish and bi-lingual books.
“We are happy to collaborate with organizations that are as excited about reading as we are,” said Gilbert. “By providing programming at CASA, we hope to engage our neighbors that may not have ever visited a library before.”
The WITF Family Play and Learn consists of a reading nook with bookshelves containing curated materials that children can read on site, alongside a play area full of activities that children can engage with on their own or with caregivers.
“It’s great!” young CASA member Jeremy Gonzalez shared about his excitement over the new literacy play space.
The project also includes monthly facilitated programming in partnership with the York County Libraries, that includes free high-quality books for the families to take home with them. Open to the community, families will meet Whyatt from the PBS KIDS show SUPER WHY!, engage in two STEAM activities, and share in a story time. Each family will be able to take home a brand-new book, the Spanish or English version of Ezra Jack Keats’ story, The Snow Day.
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About WITF:
WITF Public Media is a trusted provider of public media news and programming for approximately 2.3 million citizens in 19 counties of central Pennsylvania, encouraging children and adults to Live Inspired®. WITF children’s programing includes public television on WITF TV and PBS Kids 24/7 channel and app. Other services include WITF Kids Club and engaging free family events throughout the community. WITF’s mission is to strengthen our communities by connecting us to each other and to opportunities for lifelong learning. For more information, visit witf.org.
About CASA:
With over 100,000 members across the states of Maryland, Virginia, and South Central Pennsylvania, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. CASA organizes with and litigates on behalf of low-wage immigrants. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall
About York County Libraries:
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and electronic information, best sellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and more. Their librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, providing opportunities and resources for all ages. Through early childhood literacy programs, they ignite a love of reading and learning in young children and empower parents as their children’s first teachers. To learn more about York County Libraries’ programs, services, and resources, go to yorklibraries.org.
Press Contact:
Erica Koup
717-756-2121
erica_koup@witf.org
