Reading across the globe promotes literacy

Books are displayed on a desk during a reading session for a Read Across the Globe event inside Spangdahlem Middle School Oct. 20, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The American Red Cross and Points of Light put on the event to break a Guinness World Record of the most kids read to in a 24-hour period, while also promoting literacy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)

Reading across the globe promotes literacy

Jennifer Hensley, a Bitburg American Middle-High School teacher, reads to students during a reading session for a Read Across the Globe event inside Spangdahlem Middle School Oct. 20, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Hosted by the American Red Cross and Points of Light, the event aimed to break the world record for the most kids read to in a 24-hour period. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)

Reading across the globe promotes literacy

Jennifer Hensley, a Bitburg American Middle-High School teacher, smiles during a reading session for the Read Across the Globe event inside Spangdahlem Middle School Oct. 20, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Hensley read the book Famer Will Allen and the Growing Table, during the session. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)

Reading across the globe promotes literacy

Spangdahlem Middle School students listen during a reading session for a Read Across the Globe event Oct. 20, 2015, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. More than 50 volunteers read the book Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table, to children throughout a 24-hour period. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rusty Frank/Released)

Reading across the globe promotes literacy

Published Oct. 21, 2015
By Senior Airman Rusty Frank
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - -- Spangdahlem Airmen helped the American Red Cross and Points of Light to try and make history, Oct. 19-20, 2015.

"We are reading across the globe," said Sara Johnson, an American Red Cross volunteer instructor. "We are trying to break the Guinness World Record for most kids read to in a 24-hour period."

While attempting to make history by participating in the world-wide event, volunteers read the book "Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table," to more than 300,000 kids. Johnson said while helping to set a world record can be fun, they also want to get and keep children interested in reading.

"I think it promotes literacy which is always important," said Sam Richards, 52nd Force Support Squadron library director. "I love story times because I think it gives interaction between kids and books."

Johnson said more than 50 volunteers signed up for the history-making event, wanting to make a difference in the lives of children.

"Well for me this is actually really cool," said Jennifer Hensley, a Bitburg American Middle-High School teacher. "Because I'm actually a reading teacher by trade, it's my passion. So when I found out I was really excited to participate. We are kind of at a time where technology is popular, so books become less popular. But if you get really excited about reading it can become contagious and all it takes is one book."

Even though the 24-hour reading sessions will end, the fight for literacy will go on. Richards said the library offers many programs for Airmen to get involved to help kids.

"We have story times twice a week for the younger kids," said Richards. "We also have our summer reading time every year. We are willing to get involved in any way to help promote literacy."

If you are interested in volunteering for any programs at the library you can contact them at 452-6203.