Casper Cares, Casper Reads

History

Partnerships

Book Lists

Library Cards

Other Sites

Awards

Video
yellow roses

The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation

c/o John Jorgensen
1560 S. Walnut
Casper, WY 82601
307-577-3477
jorgensen_john@hotmail.com

The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation was created in 1996 to benefit libraries and advance the cause of childhood literacy in Wyoming. After making a significant contribution of books to the library of her children's elementary school, the foundation learned of a community that held an annual drive to raise enough money to give every first grade child a book to encourage early enthusiasm for reading. With the support of local teachers, administrators, and parents, the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" project was born.

CCCR Banner

History

A steering committee of teachers, librarians, school administrators and parents was formed in January 1999. Six hardback books of varying reading levels were selected to be distributed to each first grade classroom in the school district. Each student then had the opportunity to select the book of their choice. Orders were compiled and placed through an independent local bookstore. In June 1999, all of the Natrona County School District first graders gathered on the campus of Casper College for the very first CC/CR festival. One of the many exciting aspects of this program is that it benefits all children -from great readers to those who are just "breaking the code," from those with veritable libraries of their own to those without a single book in their home.

Partnerships

Volunteer Reader
A steering committee comprised of over 20 individuals organizes the event annually beginning with the selection of the books for the year each January. Over 150 adults are involved the actual day of the event. In 2003, "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" expanded by inviting private schools and homeschool first graders to the festival. The site was also moved to Downtown Casper, hosted by the Natrona County Public Library (NCPL) and the Nicolaysen Art Musem (NIC). In addition to Casper College, NCPL and the NIC, "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" has established partnerships with
  • Natrona County School District #1
  • Wyoming Science Adventure Center
  • Wyoming Symphony
  • Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo
  • The McMurry Foundation
  • KM for Kids
  • Casper Rotary Club
  • Wyoming Community Foundation
  • University of Wyoming/Casper Center
  • PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning
Students from Woods Learning Center Middle School also help serve lunch and read to students. Students in Lunch Line

This year's celebration will be held May 31, 2005.

Book Lists

Books chosen for "Casper Cares, Casper Reads":

2005

  • Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
  • Mustang Canyon by Jonathan London
  • My Little Sister Hugged an Ape by Bill Grossman
  • Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
  • Toughest Cowboy by John Frank
  • Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

2004

  • Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood
  • Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
  • C is for Cowboy: A Wyoming Alphabet by Eugene Gagliano
  • Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
  • Hannah Mae O'Hannigan's Wild West Show by Lisa Campbell Ernst
  • The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill

2003

  • Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
  • Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey
  • Epossumondus by Coleen Salley
  • The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Parts by Tedd Arnold
  • The Teddy Bear by David McPhail

2002

  • Anansi and the Magic Stick by Janet Stevens
  • Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
  • Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate by Bob Graham
  • The Napping House by Audrey Wood
  • Olivia by Ian Falconer
  • There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback
  • You'll Grow Soon, Alex by Andrea Shavick

2001

  • Froggy Plays Soccer by Jonathan London
  • The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  • Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
  • Jubal's Wish by Audrey Wood
  • Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
  • The Red-Eyed Tree Frog by Joy Cowley

2000

  • Arthur's Underwear by Marc Brown
  • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
  • Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
  • Little Bear's Friend by Else Holmelund Minarik
  • The Mitten by Jan Brett
  • One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

1999

  • Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown
  • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
  • Curious George by H.A. Rey
  • Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

Library Cards

Each year the Natrona County Public Library compiles a packet of information which is sent to all first grade teachers. The packet includes a note to the teacher along with information to be sent home with each first grader that includes a letter inviting parents to apply for a library card for their student, a pre-processed library card application and a "Note to Parents" that defines their responsibility. Applications are returned to the teacher, who then returns them to the library for final processing. Students receive their cards at the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" festival.
students reading

Other Sites

Awards

  • Wyoming School Board Association's
    2002 Golden Bell Award
  • Wyoming Early Childhood Association's
    Friend of the Young Child

Video

For more information or to request a video which provides details of the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" celebration, contact John Jorgensen.

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Last updated: February 14, 2005