Cape teachers collecting books for library on Sprigg Street

Cape Girardeau teachers are determined to raise reading test scores, so much so that they are going outside the classroom to do it. Now they are asking the public to do the same.

On Oct. 23, the Community Teachers Association will be holding a book drive for this year's annual Make A Difference Day. The goal is to turn an empty room in the Family Resource Center into a library where Cape Girardeau children can come to read.

Although the delivery date is almost four weeks away, CTA president Debbie Lusk said the drive has already started.

"Some kids aren't willing or just can't walk to the public library," Lusk said. "We're trying to bring a library closer to them."

The Family Resource Center at 1202 S. Sprigg St. has already allocated a room for the library. But right now, nothing's there. Lusk and the CTA hope to change that.

They are looking for people to donate one book, used or new, and $3 toward the purchase and construction of shelves and other elements in the facility. Of course, more of either is welcome.

In addition, everyone who donates a book is being asked to inscribe a message in it, explaining why that book was important to them. The hope is that those books will have the same impact on the children who read them.

Other than books and money, Lusk said that the CTA is also looking for volunteers to help build the shelves and act as librarian. She said they are looking into having the Cape Girardeau Public Library send a librarian to the center once a week for story hours.

"The goal is to raise reading scores," Lusk said. "To do so, we are willing to step up outside the classroom."

Those wishing to donate can contact the CTA building representative at any of the schools in the Cape Girardeau School District.

trehagen@semissourian.com

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