Worcester [[1] Public Library Hosts Free Book Giveaway for Teachers
The Worcester Public Library (WPL) is gearing up too host a special event for local elementary school teachers. On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., teachers are invited to a free book giveaway at the library’s downtown branch located at 3 Salem Square.
This initiative is designed to support educators and their classrooms by providing them with a fresh selection of books for their students. WPL has long been a champion for literacy in Worcester, and this event is just another example of their commitment. “We are thrilled to support Worcester Public School teachers with this event,” said Angela Bennett, deputy director of youth services at WPL. “By providing access to high-quality, diverse books, we hope to inspire young readers, foster social-emotional learning, and help build classroom libraries that reflect our community.”
The book selection will focus on social-emotional learning and autonomous reading, recognizing the importance of both academic and emotional growth in young learners. The books will also include titles in Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese, reflecting the diverse community served by WPL. Beyond the book giveaway, the event will offer teachers opportunities to sign up for library cards, take tours of the newly renovated children’s room, and connect with Worcester’s community literacy partners.
“teachers play a vital role in shaping the future,” Bennett said. “And this is our way of saying thank you for all they do.”
## Supporting Educators: A Discussion with WPL
**Archyde:** What prompted the worcester Public Library to host this free book giveaway specifically for elementary school teachers?
**Angela bennett:** At the Worcester Public Library, we’re deeply committed to literacy and supporting our community’s young learners.This event is our way of directly supporting educators by providing them with fresh, diverse books to enrich thier classrooms.
**Archyde:** The book selection focuses on social-emotional learning and autonomous reading. Can you elaborate on the importance of these areas, especially in the context of early education?
**Angela Bennett:** Social-emotional learning is crucial as it equips children with the skills they need to understand and manage their emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions—essential skills for both academic and personal success. Autonomous reading, on the other hand, empowers children to become independent learners and fosters a lifelong love of reading.
**Archyde:** The inclusion of books in Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese is commendable. How does this reflect WPL’s commitment to serving Worcester’s diverse community?
**Angela Bennett:**[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds[It’sfundamentalthatourlibraryreflectsthediversityofourcommunity**Providingbooksinmultiplelanguagesensuresthatallchildrencanseethemselvesrepresentedandaccessliteraturethatresonateswiththeirculturalbackgrounds
**Archyde:** Beyond the book giveaway,what other opportunities will teachers have at this event?
**Angela Bennett:** Teachers can sign up for library cards,tour our newly renovated children’s room,and connect with other community literacy partners. It’s a chance to build relationships and discover valuable resources.
**Archyde:** What message do you hope this event sends to Worcester’s teachers?
**Angela Bennett:** We want to express our deepest gratitude to teachers for the incredibly important work they do.We want to equip them with the tools they need to inspire and empower the next generation.
**Archyde:**
Do you think events like this go far enough in supporting educators, or are more systemic changes needed? we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
**Archyde:** What prompted the Worcester Public Library too host this free book giveaway specifically for elementary school teachers?
**Angela Bennett:** We at the Worcester Public Library are deeply committed to literacy and supporting our community’s educators[(https://mywpl.libnet.info/event/12039489)]. We recognize the vital role teachers play in shaping young minds and fostering a love of reading. This book giveaway is our way of thanking them for their dedication and providing them with resources to enhance their classrooms.
Providing diverse and high-quality books is crucial for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. We hope thes books will inspire young readers, support social-emotional learning, and build classroom libraries that truly reflect the richness of our community.
