Recognizing Our Readers

Whether innate or acquired, the love of reading can start early, last a lifetime, and make a lasting impact. Broward County Library is honored to salute five Broward County residents whose love of reading and books transcends the ordinary. Here are our five winners for Broward County Library's 2007 Recognition in Reading Awards.

Library Liaison

Minnie Pearl is never alone. At ninety-six years old, Minnie Pearl, a resident of Sunrise Lakes Condo in Sunrise, always has a book to keep her company. Minnie, along with her two sisters Goldie and Annie, is an avid book lover and daily reader who makes weekly treks to nearby Sunset Strip and Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch Libraries.

"She not only has a list of books to read for herself and her sisters, but for other neighbors in the condo development, especially those who don't have transportation," explains Frank and Phyllis Locato, friends who nominated Minnie for the Recognition in Reading Awards. "She shares her joy of reading with her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Her motto is 'be a good neighbor and share the reading experience.'"

Generations Reading Together

Sometimes it's the children who are the teachers. Seven-year-old Saif DeFreitas loves reading, and he shares his love of books and learning with his family. Grandmother Kameela Hack nominated Saif because, she wrote, "through reading he has boosted his self esteem and mine. Seeing him conquer the misery of his parents' divorce and all the misery that went on and is still continuing, I have to salute him."

Although he's only a few years older than his baby sister, three-year-old Atiya, encouraged by her big brother, already loves books. "Every book she picks up, she 'reads' to us," explains Hack. "'Just like Saif,' she says."

Saif loves the library, drawing and reading, his grandmother says, and when she writes her own book, he's going to help illustrate and proofread it!

Love (of Reading) is Blind

After losing his sight due to diabetic complications, Dennis DiBona sees the world through the eyes of his loving wife Kathy. Permanently disabled and unable to see, Dennis relies on Kathy not just for the simple, day-to-day tasks, but also to guide him through the world of books and reading.

"Before I lost my sight, I was a 'scanner' of books and rarely read just for the fun of it," says Dennis. "My sight was such a vital part of my life, and once you lose something you've taken for granted all your life, you realize the value is beyond what anyone could describe."

Now retired, Kathy spent her career in education, where she was a strong advocate for literacy. Her love for books and reading has influenced many, and she freely shares her passion with others.

A Legacy of Literacy

Nature or nurture? For Andrea Piperakis Sanders, her love of reading stems from both, and, more directly from her father, Michael Piperakis. Michael, an immigrant from Greece, taught himself English when he came to the United States. Each week Michael would pack up his two daughters and head to the local public library in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Early on, Michael got each girl her own library card and they were both allowed to check out as many books as possible.

"I learned to love my library card as a passport to worlds I would have never otherwise explored," says Andrea Sanders. "I'm convinced that part of the reason I got into Harvard was because of my weekly visits to the library with my Dad. He is a big part of the reason I love to read and love to learn."

"I Think You'd Like My Job"

These six words, uttered by Karen Zapasnik, Northeast High School's media specialist, changed the life and career of educator Heather Juchemich. Already a teacher, Juchemich began taking courses in instructional technology, and shared her thoughts about her new career path with Zapasnik, the school media specialist.

After listening to what she had to say, Zapasnik observed, "I think you'd like my job."

 "Karen helped me get scholarships, assisted me with assignments and was my cheerleader and mentor," says Juchemich. "She has encouraged me every step of the way."

Juchemich says her greatest lessons, however, came from observing Zapasnik and learning from her example. "She cares about students and wants them to read," adds Juchemich. "She's constantly promoting books and teaching information skills."
For over 20 years as a media specialist, Karen Zapasnik has helped young people navigate the world of books, information and learning - now she inspires the teachers of those young people, as well.