During her term on the Friends of the UNCG Libraries Board of Directors, financial cutbacks threatened the continuation of the Children’s Book Author and Storyteller Series that brings prominent author/storytellers to the UNCG campus each fall. The Series has three components:
1) to perform at UNCG for nearly 1000 fourth graders in area schools;
2) to conduct a master storyteller Q&A session with UNCG students studying to become elementary school teachers; and
3) to appear at both UNCG and the area Bookmarks Festival under UNCG sponsorship.
Without even being asked for her support, Pam determined that she wanted to see the series continue, and worked out a plan with husband David to do so, committing to fund it for five years. The Sprinkles’ generosity not only saved the series, it allowed it to thrive, and with their ongoing commitment top author/storytellers could be booked a year or more in advance, something that had never been possible before. Bobby Norfolk, John McCutcheon, and Bill Harley, three of the top names in the storytelling world, have come to UNCG during the intervening years. Doug Elliott will visit in September 2014.
While all of the components of the series are beneficial, the University Libraries especially enjoys seeing fourth graders come to campus, many for the first time, under the guidance of teachers and chaperones who are often UNCG grads themselves. The excitement they display, and the enjoyment these children receive makes us proud to be able to offer this kind of experience to them.
While not alumni, the Sprinkles are generous in their support of UNCG and other organizations. David now serves as Chair of the UNCG Board of Trustees.
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