Lifelong Learning

Get Inspired: Celebrating a Librarian’s Impact

Learning is a lifelong love! Education challenges us to be creative, explore new worlds, and learn about ourselves. We're inviting your family to think about the importance of education and celebrating a love for learning. Check out this interview about how one librarian helped a young learner discover her love of reading and writing.

Reading is a vital part of building strong, informed, and active communities. Educators, whether the author of a book, an art teacher, or a camp counselor, help us engage in our world through learning. Now more than ever, educators and the knowledge they share, play a vital role in keeping our communities connected.

This video was produced by StoryCorps, an audio recording organization dedicated to preserving and sharing humanity's stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. We love their inspiring work!

Let’s Talk

After listening to the StoryCorps interview, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• What stood out to you about the interview between Rich, Abigail, and Hasina? Can you relate to their story?

• Do you have a favorite book? Why is that story important to you?

• Who is the superhero of your education? Do you have a teacher, mentor, or educator in your life who has helped you on your journey?

• Bonus! Thank a teacher, mentor, or other educator who inspired you to be creative in your life!

Do Something: Become an Author

Making a picture book is a fun way to get creative! Share a story about how you spend your time at home, write about your favorite hobby, or pick a fun theme to explore.

To get started, grab art supplies and some paper or cardstock to illustrate your book. Decorate the cover and bind it with string or other objects around your house. Save your book for your family to enjoy or send your story to a friend or family member who is practicing their reading skills!

Community Connections: Carole Robertson Center for Learning

Support childhood education! The Carole Robertson Center for Learning is on a mission to educate, enrich, and empower children and families through comprehensive child and family development programs. They provide educational support for over 650 kids and their families on the West Side of Chicago.

If you're headed out to shop for you own family, please consider picking up needed items for Carole Robertson Center for Learning. The Center supports a wide range of educational and family support needs from baby supplies for infants and toddlers, to books and sports equipment for elementary schoolers, to Ventra cards for families. Check out their website linked below to learn more about the items they need most.