The Roosevelt Island Living Library Summer Program hosted New York Senator Jose Serrano and Assemblyman Micah Kellner and their staff at PS/IS 217 on Wednesday, July 29. Participating was a lively group of community members and children who wanted to show the officials the accomplishments of their Living Library Eco-Transformation on Roosevelt Island funded by RIOC's Public Purpose Fund.

The beautiful Garden(s) and newly created Compost Bins (see below), further developed this summer by participants with Living LIbrary Instructors, Veronika Forero and Nate Kendall, were viewed, discussed, and enjoyed - even in the rain.

On that very rainy day of our gathering, children painted beautiful images of flowers and vegetables, patients from Coler-Goldwater Hospital took photographs of the event, parents and other community representatives spoke of their support of the program, and all drank peppermint tea from the Garden.

Founder and Director of Life Frames, Inc. and A Living Library, Bonnie Ora Sherk, gave an overview of the Roosevelt Island Living Library & Think Park and discussed the great opportunities that we all have when we work together and incorporate the rich resources present on Roosevelt Island. Participating and also speaking at the meeting were Matthew Katz from RIRA, Ronald Becker, Director of Therapeutic Recreation from Coler-Goldwater and other staff, Lydia Tang from the PTA, Gloria Gonsalves, a parent of two participants, Nate Kendall, a RI Living LIbrary instructor and Science Teacher from PS/IS 217, numerous patients from Coler Hospital and multiple children of diverse ages from the program. Senator Serrano and Assemblyman Kellner responded and said that their offices will try and help with funding and contacts.

Discussion included: continued development of ecological environments on Roosevelt Island, Green Skills Job Training for youth and adults, the interdisciplinary NY & NYC standards-based, hands-on, Living Library Curricula, importance and value that A Living Library promotes for all sectors of community to work together, and our goal to link students and adults with Branch Living Library & Think Parks in diverse communities- locally and globally. Also discussed were future Living Library Learning Zones near the school including creation of an Orchard, area for New York Native Trees and Understory, as well as Gardens for Organic Vegetables and Flowers and opportunities for eco-landscape development at Coler-Goldwater Hospital.

The Roosevelt Island Living Library Summer Program takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2-5:30 at PS/IS 217, is open to children, youth, and adults, and runs until August 31. People from Roosevelt Island can still participate: please see attached registration form. ALL are welcome !

photos below: children building compost bins with Nate Kendall, one of our RI Living Library Summer Program Teachers; other pictures show children and adults working together and enjoying their Living Library Garden.