Read with Me Library Workshops in MahAbad and Paveh

The Read with Me Library workshops were held in MahAbad and Paveh with more than 40 librarians and reading promoters as participants.

One of the newest approaches of Read with Me has been to transform the classic and traditional environment of libraries into a child-centered space full of literacy which brings quality books, book reading sessions and book-related activities to libraries across the country. By participating in these workshops, Librarians, volunteers and reading promoters learn the principles of Reading Aloud and the methods of sharing books with children as well as the main characteristics of a child-centered library. By implementing the Read with Me program, libraries can turn into active places, holding numerous Reading Aloud sessions and performing book-related activities.

The Read with Me Library workshops were held in MahAbad on 19-20 July 2017 by the financial supports of Fund for Education & Empowerment of Working Children and Hami Association. On 27-28 July, Paveh, a city in Kermanshah Province hosted the Read with Me experts by the support of Vafa Association of Kermanshah.

The Read with Me program which has implemented reading promotion programs for children in numerous centers of 16 provinces in Iran by sending out quality books, holding workshops and mentoring teachers and tutors has come up with new approaches regarding libraries based on previous experiences and achievements.

In the Read with Me Library workshops, participants learn to organize libraries as well as designing a suitable space and holding Reading Aloud sessions and related activities.

Based on this new approach, this program not only enriches the libraries with quality books and empowers and educates librarians but also actively establishes new libraries in some areas.

The main characteristics of a Read with Me library

Read with Me libraries are not just for lending books to children. They are locations for holding Reading Aloud sessions and book-related activities; the shelves, layout and design are child-centered so that the books, painting tools and other props are accessible to children. These libraries are so rich with education that allow children to learn and experience to their full extent without the interference of a teacher with traditional education methods. The librarians at these libraries are not normal librarians. They are reading promoters, managers and arrangers of different activities such as Reading Aloud sessions and book-related artistic and dramatic arts activities throughout the year. Read with Me libraries contain quality books for children of all age groups from 0-16.

Here is a pictorial report on the workshops in MahAbad and Paveh: