BookPALS, Storyline Online make News!

August 11, 2009

A recent news feature from Arizona’s 12 News begins by stressing the importance of “a strong reading foundation”, an appropriate choice of words to open its piece highlighting the SAG Foundation’s BookPALS and Storyline Online programs!

Nationally, BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) recognizes over 2000 dedicated volunteers serving more than 100,000 preschool to 5th grade students weekly by reading aloud at public schools, hospitals, cultural institutions and on the phone. The Foundation’s streaming video offering, Storyline Online, allows children all over the world to see and hear celebrated figures from Vice President Al Gore to James Earl Jones read from impressive youth-oriented works, with computer-enhanced video imagery bringing each book’s illustrations to life.

Bringing these programs into the public eye is a boost for the cause of children’s literacy as well as a nod to the Foundation’s efforts and the importance of funding them. Despite the immeasurable support BookPALS and Storyline Online receive from volunteerism, mounting administrative and production costs are casting a prohibitive shadow on the literacy initiatives’ future. Special thanks goes to Arizona BookPALS coordinator Ellen Dean for getting the word out – and on the airwaves.

Please enjoy the feature by clicking this link to the 12 News