Real Men Read Program Goes Virtual in its Second Year In April 2021 the Real Men Read initiative completed its 2nd year at William Paterson University. Provost Josh Powers reads to students at Paterson School 29. In April 2021 the Real Men Read initiative completed its 2nd year at William Paterson University. The goal of the Real Men Read initiative is to provide Pre-K-6 students, especially boys, the opportunity to meet male mentors from the William Paterson University community who have a love of reading and learning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Real Men Read sessions were conducted virtually in 2021. This year the program continued to expand by including William Paterson students as readers. The Library collaborated with various student clubs, service fraternities, and sororities, and partnered with the Office of Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to offer this great opportunity to interested students. Librarians, Neil Grimes and Gary Marks provided virtual training for all participants and curated a collection of age-appropriate reading materials. Over 30 faculty, staff, and students read virtually to a total of 680 students in 34 Pre-K-6 classes at various schools throughout northern New Jersey. Several of the readings were conducted within the Paterson Public School District through partnerships with the Professional Development Schools (PDS) network in the College of Education. The participants had the option of reading a physical book or eBook to their class of students. For Pre-K-6 students, many of whom were learning remotely at home, having a member of the William Paterson University community read virtually to their class is an experience they won’t soon forget. The Library hopes to continue to offer the opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to join the Real Men Read initiative as we support and encourage literacy and a love for reading to young and emerging readers. October 06, 2021
