Summer might be considered a time of play for many children, but for some youth in Jonesboro, it was a time to read about the new president, the first lady, and other topics in the humanities.  Made possible by an Arkansas Humanities Council Children and Adults Reading Together (C.A.R.T.) grant, the Digital Book Club proved to be quite a draw for more than 40 youth who ranged in age from 2 to 16 years of age.

The club met in the morning at Parker Park Community Center, and in the afternoon at Walker Courts Apartment Complex. 

Volunteers included Ms. Janie May, a retired teacher; Ms. Kittilea Jackson, a graduate student at Arkansas State University; Ms. Donna Kirksey, an administrative assistant at Arkansas State; members of the ASU football team; Dr. Myleea Hill,  project director; and Dr. Lillie Fears, humanities scholar for the project.

Fears said the book podcasts were quite popular with the children. “At first a couple of the older children wanted to know whether the iPods had music on them.  When I told them that the iPods contained only podcasts of books, they didn’t seem too disappointed.  I think some of them just got a kick out of using an iPod.”

The program focused on newspaper reading during the third week.  The Jonesboro Sun donated newspapers and one of its reporters, Sherry Pruitt, covered the program on the day newspapers were the feature activity.  Pruitt conducted interviews and answered questions about her work as a reporter.

The final day of activities included a book shopping spree.  Children were allowed to purchase books of their choice.