Little Learners Literacy Collection Officially Opens

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Within moments of the doors opening, signs of the literary magic were already evident.

Whether it was a parent, grandparent or guardian, young, excited children, sitting on an adult’s lap, could be spotted eagerly pointing to a nearby, enticing book on a shelf. Within seconds, the desired object-laden with a whole world of discovery- was attained, and its inspiring contents were verbally delivered. The elation continued to spark, as the attentive listener pointed to accompanying photos, smiling big, while fully absorbing the entire experience with their special family member. It’s a touching scene that Bill Kaplan envisioned when he first planted the seeds of collaboration for the just opened Little Learners Literacy Collection room at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center last Tuesday.

“This is an investment in our youngest children, a bright beginning for children to start with reading before they go to school reminder,” Kaplan, the Founder of the Armory, told a room full of guests at the Collection site’s Grand Opening, ribbon cutting event. “We want all families who walk through these doors to feel inspired.”

That inspiration initiated by Kaplan and the Armory, was collaborated with by the Orange County Department of Health and the Newburgh Free Library, gaining so much momentum it was completed in just five months. The potent partnership, centering upon reader readiness, features a specially designed new library- child and sensor- friendly space, complete with a welcoming and inclusive setting for families with children ages 0-5. Housing 1000 books, it’s further highlighted by a well-supplied Parent Resource Center, including books, brochures and educational materials on child development, developmental disabilities, early childhood milestones and parenting strategies. Additionally, these integral resources are available in both English and Spanish, offering support to families spanning Orange County.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to bring children somewhere where they feel welcome and safe, surrounded by other parents and children seeking the same things,” said Newburgh resident, Leilani Politi, who was on-hand with her one year old daughter, Remi, who could be seen exploring the space’s numerous offerings. “As a parent, finding a community for you and your child-children can be challenging, and having a place like this to come to really simplifies things.”

That deep gratitude for an early learner’s literary space was equally embraced by several politicians at the Grand Opening. Each of whom took turns reading aloud lines from a book to those in attendance, revealing the empowering impact of reading on both reader and listener.
“Mr. Kaplan really knows how to bring people together,” said Mayor Torrance Harvey, who donated two copies of a book, “Hey Mr. Mayor My Neighbor,” he authored.

“What you see here today is the incredible result of partnerships,” said Senator, Rob Rolison. “This Armory is a place where you can’t just drop your child off; you need to be involved; the word is that everyone is here.”

Referred to as the “Center of the Universe” by Deputy County Executive and former City of Newburgh Manager, Harry Porr, the Armory-right alongside Saint Luke’s Hospital, SUNY Orange and Mount Saint Mary College, has played a pivotal role in his family’s as well as so many in Newburgh over the years.

“The rewards of this work will go on for generations,” Porr affirmed about the brand new site whose resources and initial, priceless familial exposures to literacy have the incredible potential to assist with imperative, proven reading skills attained by third grade in order to graduate high school.

Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am-12pm as well as Saturday, 9am-1pm.

Ben Gocker, Director of the Newburgh Free Library encapsulated the magnitude of the occasion in his remarks.

“Any day you get to start off with opening a children’s center is a great one.”

All involved are hopeful even more great days lie ahead as this center begins its journey, affecting families in countless, transformative ways.