SCLF in the news
Reprinted with permission from the Fairfield Daily Republic, Feb. 4, 2005.
Waiting room literacy
Ed Willner spends his off-time meaningfully — teachingBy Sarah Arnquist/Daily Republic
Fairfield — Volunteering with the reach Our and Read Program - part of Solano County Library's literacy services - gives retired attorney Ed Willner an enjoyable and meaningful way to pass his time.
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At a glance What: Volunteers needed for Reach Out and Read Program Where: seven pediatric offices in Solano County Info: Solano County Library at 432-7995 or (800) 450-7885 |
"There's no reason not to volunteer if you have time, and i think this very worthwhile," he said.
Willner competes for attention with a colorful playhouse and other toys, but once he begins reading, children shyly circle around him. Willner's favorite book, "Playing Right Field," is based on an old song he remembers from his childhood.
"Sometimes when I read it to the kids some of the parents start to sing to it," he said. "It's a lot of fun."
Dr. Seuss is great, too, because the reading becomes interactive, he said. He asks the children questions and for help pointing out the oddities.
Kassandra Kink, 5, started Dr. Seuss' book "Wacky Wednesday" before a nurse called her to see the doctor. She asked Willner to finish after her appointment. A half hour later she ran into the waiting room, grabbed the book and plopped down next to Willner. For the next 15 minutes she hugged Willner's arm and together they pointed out all the book's wacky details.
Volunteers are a critical component of the reading program, said Sandy Toste, Solano County Library's literacy program manager. They demonstrate a love of reading and provide a model for parents to watch and hopefully mirror, she said.
The Reach Out and Read Program has grown steadily for five years, Toste said. Doctors at seven pediatric clinics countywide give out on average 10,000 books a year to families she said.
"The idea is to get kids ready for school, and this is one of the easiest and best ways to do that," she said.
Education researchers say it takes 1,000 words of literacy activity to prepare for kindergarten, Toste said. This program teaches parents how they can teach their kids, she said. When parents bring infants and toddlers in for regular checkups, pediatricians counsel parents on the importance of reading to their children. Each family receives a culturally and age-appropriate book and volunteers read to children in the waiting rooms to model good reading practices.
After three years of reading to children, Willner said he can tell the difference between the children who are read to a lot and those who aren't.
"I think a lot of kids who get mainly TV don't have the attention span of kids who entertain themselves in other ways," he said.
In 2000, complications from a spinal cord birth defect combined with a broken hip put Willner in a wheelchair and forced him to quit practicing law. Utility is important to Willner. He wants to pass his days in a meaningful and useful way, he said. "You can decide to stop living, and if that's what you decide, that's probably what you'll do," he said.
Willner chose to volunteer.
Three years ago, Willner's neighbor told him about the Reach Out and Read Program. Before that he volunteered as an adult literacy tutor. He also donates his time judging at small claims court and as an elder at his church, Bethany Lutheran. Three times a week he assists teachers at the church school, an experience Willner said "is just delightful." The students know him and expect his presence. They call out, "Hello Mr. Willner when they pass him in the hall, he said.
Children don't make him feel young or nostalgic for his youth, he said, but they do make him laugh and bring him joy. Volunteering gives him the opportunity to share his days with children, he said.
"In my normal life, I wouldn't see many kids at all," Willner said.
Laurie Lee of Vacaville watched Willner read while she waited with her son to see a doctor.
"I think it's a great way for (volunteers) to feel useful, and kids love to be read to and given that attention," Lee said.
Will sums up his contributions simply.
"You might as well be useful, and I think some of the things I do are useful."
Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net.