12-year-old Rohan Verdonck sets up the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center Community Library, an initiative he launched to promote literacy in new migrant communities.
— Rohan Verdonck, 12-year-old New York student
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA, August 12, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Rohan Verdonck, a 12-year-old sixth-grader in New York City, has made a significant impact on the lives of immigrant children by establishing a free lending library for the community at the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center. This initiative was carried out in partnership with Mayor Eric Adams’ office and underscores the importance of community support and government engagement.
Driven by a deep love of books and reading, Rohan has always believed in the transformative power of literature. As the founder of his school’s book club and elected librarian, he experienced firsthand how books can inspire and change lives. His project aims to bring that same inspiration to the children of immigrant families seeking refuge at the Roosevelt Hotel.
The Library of the Roosevelt Hotel
The Roosevelt Hotel Library is a self-funded and volunteer-led project that has created a small library specifically for the children of immigrants at the Roosevelt Hotel. Rohan donated a small three-shelf bookcase as well as an initial collection of books. He has stocked the library with 200 books through donations from the community, including schools, bookstores and private individuals, and replenishes the library as needed. As the project has evolved, he has expanded the library to include books for youth and adults, and in multiple languages, to better meet the needs of the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center.
The effects
The Roosevelt Hotel is home to over 1,000 immigrant families in New York City. While parents focus on finding work and permanent housing, their children often lack educational incentives. This project fills that gap by providing access to books, encouraging learning, and preventing boredom. The community library bookshelf was donated by Rohan Verdonck with the support of community members he asked for help. It was designed to fit easily into an unused space in the hotel. The library operates on a “take a book, leave a book” principle, encouraging community involvement without the need for staff. The stock of books is replenished monthly or as needed with additional donations from the wider community.
“My goal was to give kids like me access to the same joy and knowledge that books gave me. New York City is going through a time of change right now and there are many New Yorkers who don’t have enough money for housing and basic needs. Although I can’t help with all of that, I knew I could help with books,” Rohan said. “I hope the Roosevelt Hotel Library will be a small step in bringing the joy of literature to New York’s newest residents.”
The collaboration with Mayor Eric Adams’ office highlighted the importance of community-government collaboration in supporting immigrant families. The community is encouraged to support this initiative by donating new and used children’s books.
About Rohan Verdonck
Rohan Verdonck is a 12-year-old student at the Buckley School in New York City who loves to read. This is his second community library project.
Rohan Verdonck
The Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center Community Library
Send us an email here
