MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- The fifth annual American Heroes Book Fair, organized by the Yuma Reading Council and Friends of the Library, was held at Yuma Barnes and Noble Sept. 8, where station Marines were invited to read to children attending the event.
The aim of the event is to promote literacy and alert children to the outlets through which they can attain reading material, said Susan Richards, the manager of Barnes and Noble in Yuma.
“(The Marines) not only just read to the children and spend time with them, but told them how literacy is important in their lives and their work, how they read and write every day,” Barbara Sutton, Yuma Reading Council director.
“September 8 is International Literacy Day, and we’d done little things to celebrate it,” said Sutton. “But we didn’t want to detract from 9/11 with our event and we wanted to find a way to commemorate what happened, so we did it by incorporating a theme that has stuck -- ‘Free to Read.’”
The theme ‘Free to Read’ was apparent throughout the store, where attending children were free to participate in a variety of activities, including puzzles of our nation, patriotic coloring activities, flag making with construction paper, as well as wind socks.
The Friends of the Library mascot, Booker Bear, was also there to take pictures with the attendees. Children present were also treated to a free book at the door, included in a bag that also contained a bookmark, as well as information for children on how to obtain a library card.
“With the patriotic theme, it’s only natural that we look to the military for support. Also, it puts a human slant on military members that children might only see on television with a gun,” said Ruth Zinn, Friends of the Library special events coordinator. “We’ve always had great support from the military community in this event.”
“I think 9/11 made a lot of people realize who the heroes are, opposed to athletes, or movie stars,” said Richards. “This is a great opportunity for children to see military members as real people.”
Coupled with the event, Barnes and Noble conducted a fundraiser throughout the weekend, donating a percentage of their profits to Friends of the Library, said Zinn.
Lance Cpl. Sue Rin Huh, administration clerk, Combat Logistics Company 16, was one of the volunteers who read to the children.
“I like children,” she said after reading at the event. “Also, I think it’s important for children to see service members in a setting like this and have a positive connection there.”
Cpl. Andrew Russell, Marksmanship Training Unit primary marksmanship instructor, also volunteered his time Saturday afternoon at the book fair.
“I’m learning how to mix Marine and dad,” said Russell, whose wife is expecting their first child. “Seeing the kids get so into the book and seeing them smile was great.”
Natacha Dannenberg, board president of the Yuma Reading Council, was pleased with the turnout of the volunteers and the reception by the children.
“They were outstanding,” she said with a smile. “They were so good with interacting with the children, and getting them involved in the books.”
“I just love opportunities like this,” said Russell. “It’s a fun experience, and it lets us give back.”