Rural Library Initiative Launched by Partners for Education & Save the Children

Initiative Features Webinars, Fellowship Opportunity & Resources to Support Children’s Growth At No Cost to Communities, Institutions or Individuals

BEREA, Ky./FAIRFIELD, Conn. (February 2, 2021) – The recently launched Rural Library Initiative, an effort led by Partners for Education at Berea College and Save the Children to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and a fellowship to support practitioners working in libraries across America’s rural communities, will host its second “Conversations for Action” event on Wednesday, February 3.

“The Network will bring people working in rural libraries across the country together to share experiences and expand their ability to move educational outcomes for children and youth from cradle to career,” said Dreama Gentry, Executive Director of Partners for Education. “Building the capacity of rural libraries is an essential step in accelerating outcomes for rural students and communities.”

Wednesday’s event is a follow-up to the inaugural webinar, which featured Dreama Gentry; Save the Children’s Senior Vice President for U.S. Programs & Advocacy Mark Shriver; and award-winning actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur and Save the Children trustee Jennifer Garner. Any interested individual may register by clicking here.

“Libraries across rural America are uniquely positioned to serve as community anchors for our nation’s young learners,” said Lesley Graham, Senior Director of Community Impact at Save the Children. “We’re so proud to convene various partners around a shared vision for educational success and encourage anyone interested to get involved.”

As part of the initiative, the partners are seeking 22 Library Fellows from rural communities who are interested in increasing 3rd-grade reading outcomes. The fellows will receive professional development and support to launch an initiative in their community. To access the application, click here and submit by the March 1, 2021 deadline. Interested individuals can participate in virtual “office hours” February 5 and February 19 to learn more.

To learn more about the Rural Library Network and to get involved, visit www.berea.edu/pfe/rural-library. 

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