Delta College Public Media, in partnership with Bay-Arenac ISD, the Bay County Library System and the Bay County Historical Society, has established the PBS Raising Readers Room.
After receiving $10,000 in grant funding from the Parents as Teachers organization, a space was identified and renovated on the second floor of the Bay County Historical Museum, located at 321 Washington Avenue in Bay City.
The PBS Raising Readers Room opened to the public in early March of 2024 to address
an abundant need to help families and teachers combat the negative affect of the pandemic
on early childhood education. “Literacy has always been a major focus of the Michigan
Learning Channel’s initiatives,” said Lauren Saj, station engagement coordinator for
Delta College Public Media. “But the urgency has certainly been elevated.”
This space is tailored for children and families in the community. It is filled with sensory items and stocked with books containing elements of a monthly theme—March’s theme was “transportation”. Visitors also receive themed activity bags containing additional learning opportunities they can practice at home. Another feature of the room, unique to its location, is a display window stocked with antiques from the museum which correspond to the room’s monthly theme.
“The Raising Readers Room is intended to be a safe space for families to meet and an opportunity to explore new environments,” says Saj. “Additionally, I hope this room helps show the community that PBS is about more than just TV; it’s also about curiosity and connection.”
The Bay County Historical Society hosts preschool activities in the PBS Raising Readers Room every Tuesday; and a free community event is planned for September 17 from 5 – 6pm. There will be snacks, activities and opportunities to connect with families and engage with the space. Please call 989-893-5733 to register.
In the meantime, the PBS Raising Readers Room is open to the public. Families are welcome to visit anytime during the museum’s regular operating hours. If not attending one of the scheduled preschool Tuesdays, you can request the PBS Raising Readers Room to be open when you visit.
Delta College Public Media’s mission is to educate, inform, inspire and entertain through commercial-free radio, television and other media, touching the lives of all Mid-Michigan citizens by providing quality programming and services.
Are you interested in supporting Delta College Public Media?
Contact Gwen Serbus at 989-686-9012 or gwenserbus@delta.edu.
Are you interested in educational info and resources?
Contact Lauren Saj at 989-686-9346 or laurensaj@delta.edu.