Literacy seems to be taking center stage along the Byway at this time with LitJam, Sterling Scholar competitions, ACT tests, college scholarship applications due, and students working hard to complete college classes offered at the local high schools.
It is our hope to instill lifelong literacy skills in each student.
The benefits of literacy last a lifetime. For example, in a Brazilian study, researchers showed there was a 21% increase in wages for those who became literate.
In America, where absolute illiteracy is uncommon, a Gallup study found that 54% of adults lacked proficiency in literacy–meaning, they are reading below a 6th-grade reading level. The study found that non-proficient readers make about $43,000 a year while their proficient counterparts made $63,000, which is 47% more! The study then pointed out that bumping non-proficient readers above a 6th-grade reading level would generate a whopping $2.2 trillion in additional annual earnings, equal to 10% of GDP!
Recently I had the privilege of attending a Panguitch Public Library Board Meeting. It brought back so many memories of all the work that went into securing the grant and renovating the middle school building into the great library that it is today. I specifically thought of the community support in that endeavor and the day we moved, having all of the school children line the streets passing books from one to another down Center Street from the old library to the new library. It truly was a community effort.
Currently the new library board is planning activities that will bring more students into the library and get them reading more, thus spending less time on their screens.
The library board consists of Durell Darr, Chairman, Shannon Fawson, Vice Chairman and Julie Bishop as Secretary. Laura Woodbury, Jon Torgerson and Les Gripkey make up the remainder of the board. Tracy Wright remains the city council representative. The new Library Director is Lucy Sarles and our long-standing children’s librarian Verlaine Spencer is still bringing her loving touch and care. Lyle Talbot and Kathy Peterson are heading the Bookmobile program to reach neighboring communities.
This new lineup infuses energy and passion for the future of our library. Together, they’re set to spark innovation and lead us to new heights.
In line with their mission to enrich lives and foster lifelong learning, the library serves as a free space for everyone to discover, create, and share ideas and information. They are dedicated to advancing literacy, supporting educational endeavors and nurturing a culture of continuous growth and development within our community.
A committee meeting will be held Thursday April 18, 7:00 p.m. and the board meeting is Thursday, May 16. Both will be held at the library. Everyone is invited to attend and bring ideas with them.
Separate from our local libraries, one of the best things that has happened for literacy in Garfield County Schools in the past 20 years is LitJam. LitJam is the brainchild of a group of ladies from Escalante that recognize the importance of reading and writing.
These women saw a new way to encourage literacy and help youth to recognize the importance of being able to express themselves on paper. It was first organized by author Robbin Peterson, Naketa Martel, Karen Munson, Heather McKnight and Jenny Evans. LitJam takes an immense amount of work in organization and planning.
These ladies received help from school administration and teachers who recognized the value of such a program but the bulk of the work still fell on their shoulders. This year the committee received a grant from the Utah State Library to help pay for their guest speaker.
Not everyone wanted to participate and some even seemed to be naysayers but after three successful years and a clear student following, LitJam has resulted in an outstanding program that has encouraged youthful writers to reach higher and set goals that will continue to pay dividends for many years to come. Many of the winning essays are printed in issue 103 of The Byway. May the students also write winning college papers that will make LitJam organizers proud!
– by Elaine Baldwin
Feature image courtesy of Abbie Call, The Byway.
Elaine Baldwin – Panguitch
Elaine Baldwin is an Editor/Writer for The Byway. She is the wife of Dale Baldwin, and they have three children, 11 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Elaine enjoys making a difference in her world. She recently retired after teaching Drama for 20 years at Panguitch High School. She loves volunteering and finds her greatest joy serving in the Cedar City Temple each Friday.