Jeanette Goohsen and other staff are pleased with the new agency library.
Jeanette Goohsen wrote the following report about the creation of a library at the Cypress Hills Ability Centre, in Shaunavon, SK. The Cypress Hills Ability Centre, a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres, was instrumental to the creation of the SARC Supplementary Tutor Handbook by acting as a pilot agency.
In June of 2000, we were able to open a library for use of clients and staff. Earlier in May, the public school in Shaunavon had a book sale. We were able to get 4 books for 35 cents. We went wild. I took two literate clients and our summer worker (who is the daughter of the public school principal). We bought about 150 books. I also informed the Grade 1 teacher that we were always looking for books. She said she would keep an eye open for us.
We took an old counter which was used for trophies and moved it over to the other side of the building where the computers were. Two of my literate clients and I re-painted the library in a beautiful turquoise colour. The clients then helped to categorize and sort the books into levels of readability. I also devised a plan by which there was some accountability when people took out books. The date, name of book and who took it out were written in a scribbler. One of my clients who is very keen about books was placed in charge of checking off returned books.
In March 2001, a new Program Co-ordinator was hired at the centre. I was put in charge of a “Literacy Hour” which is every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. At this time all the clients are invited upstairs to sit. Usually three literate clients are invited to read a short story. At the end of the hour, I ask three other clients to pick out something to read that they are comfortable with for the next week. Now everyone wants to read every week!
Jeanette Goohsen and other staff are pleased with the new agency library.