Akron Reads turned another page this year as
the municipal government of the City of Akron coordinated a volunteer effort with 39
employees of the City. Under the direction of Sherrill Bryson from the Mayor’s
Office for Economic Development, reading tutors visited five schools during the year,
tutoring at Hotchkiss, Windemere, Harris, Lincoln and Jackson elementary schools.
Each child was tutored for 45 minutes each session as volunteers formed teams and
alternated assignments each week.
In his State of The City speech in 2004, Mayor Don Plusquellic urged Akron companies to
get involved in Akron Reads. To lead the way, the City began its own initiative. This
year, 23 other groups made up of local businesses also volunteered in the program.
In all, City employees assisted 21 students in improving their reading skills and
enhancing their appreciation for books and reading.
