(Cazenovia, NY – Feb. 2016) On Jan. 27 some 50 people gathered at the Cazenovia Public Library to celebrate the retirement of literacy coordinator Cindy McCall.
McCall worked for nine years actively promoting literacy in Madison County. In 2006, she helped establish the Story Room at CazCares Food Panty and Clothing Closet in Cazenovia. In collaboration with Cazenovia Public Library and CazCares, McCall created an early literacy program with love of books and language development at its core. Over the past year, this unique collaboration has gained national attention with libraries across the United States learning how Cazenovia Public Library provides literacy services at a food pantry.
While caregivers shop for food, clothing, or connect with other services, the Story Room provides children an environment of story reading, language development through guided play, and other literacy activities. Interested adults can receive on-site literacy tutoring at CazCares, and families receive free books. Last year alone, more than 2,500 books were distributed. In July and August, school-age children attend a summer reading program aimed at maintaining their reading skill over the summer.
In addition to early literacy, McCall worked with Madison County Reads Ahead to establish adult literacy outreach in 2006. Since then, countless adults have availed themselves of free, one-on-one tutoring sessions in ESL (English as a Second Language), HSE (High School Equivalency) and ABE (Adult Basic Education) through Cazenovia Public Library and other libraries in Madison County.
“It has been a tremendous opportunity for me both professionally and personally to work with my exceptional partner Carla Zimmerman, and all of my talented colleagues in our Literacy Outreach at Cazenovia Public Library,” McCall said. “We are fortunate to have Marli Stahler on board as our new literacy coordinator. A retired reading specialist, Stahler is a dynamic and highly skilled teaching professional with expertise in many areas of community service. Literacy work has opened my life in so many ways. I know that this vital educational service will continue to grow and flourish, as change always brings new ideas and new life to programs like ours.”
The early and adult literacy programs will continue under the stewardship of Carla Zimmerman and Marli Stahler, both literacy coordinators with Cazenovia Public Library.