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SCLSNJ’s Mary Jacobs Branch Partners With Rock Brook School to Transform Library Into Paper-Craft Jungle
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The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) Mary Jacobs branch staff partnered with Rock Brook School to kick-off SCLSNJ’s Summer Reading Challenge by transforming the Library into a paper-craft jungle.
Rock Brook School students and Library staff created intricate flowers, butterflies, vines, and leaves from colorful construction paper to compliment the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, tails and tales.
"The butterflies that the Rock Brook students created are displayed throughout our building as reminders that our Libraries are stronger with the support and partnerships of our communities,” said Deadra Boardman, youth services librarian. “Whether it is through assisting with our collections, preparing materials for programs and crafts, or decorating the Library, the Rock Brook School plays an integral role at the Mary Jacobs branch.”
The Library provides an inclusive environment where students have the opportunity to develop real-life work skills by participating in projects for the Library and connect with their community.
"The Library's commitment to the Rock Brook School has been a shining light during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Becky Mercurio, structured learning experience coordinator at Rock Brook School. “Ms. Dee [Deadra Boardman] as the kids call her, reached out to me as soon as the school was forced to close to see how they could be of support to our program.”
Mercurio continued, “Throughout the last 15 months, the Library has provided virtual sessions for our students as well as brought our library work straight to our doors so our students could continue to gain real-life job experiences in a safe environment. We are so very thankful for their ongoing support of our students."
"As the new branch manager at the Mary Jacobs branch, I was excited to learn about the meaningful connection that Library staff has built with the Rock Brook School,” said Lesley Koble, branch manager. “I am proud of our staff for fostering relationships with these students based on respect, trust, empathy, and fun."
Rock Brook School is a private, nonprofit school for communication impaired and multiply disabled children aged 3-21 located in Montgomery Township. For more information, visit rock-brook.org.
"We are so excited that the Rock Brook School was able to assist us in welcoming customers back to the branch for a fun-filled summer,” said Diane Valentine, youth services supervisor. “By visiting the branch, Library customers can explore jungle-themed decorations, register for the Summer Reading Challenge, pick up a new book, or chat with one of our friendly staff members. We hope to see you soon!"
Take SCLSNJ’s Summer Reading Challenge: SCLSNJ.org/summer_reading.
