Erie-GAINS Sponsors ‘Arthur’ Creator’s Visit to Local Elementary School

Gannon University’s Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability) sponsored a visit on January 25 by Marc Brown, creator of the popular PBS television series and children’s book character, ‘Arthur,’ to Emerson-Gridley Elementary School in Erie.  Brown provided Emerson-Gridley’s first-, second- and third-grade students with an engaging and focused one-hour presentation on promoting literacy and healthy relationships to young children.

Brown also headlined a public event in Gannon’s Yehl Ballroom later that day.  During that appearance, Brown discussed the important role parents have of reading to their children and the use of colorful, eye-catching illustrations to encourage students to get excited about reading.

His books share a theme of educating young readers about important life lessons while also entertaining them, which can be important when trying to keep the interest of young readers.  Brown’s discussions are aimed at making learning fun, even for children who may not have a similar mindset. 

Gannon University’s Erie-GAINS office purchased fifteen copies of the children’s book Wild About Books, illustrated and autographed by Brown, to be donated to schools and libraries in the area.  Emerson-Gridley Elementary School, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, St. Peter Cathedral School, Gannon University’s Nash Library, Blasco Public Library, and the Dr. Keith Taylor Lending Library at the Martin Luther King Center will be given copies of the autographed books.

Children in the Erie community are sure to remember Brown’s discussion on the importance of education and the benefits of making an effort to read.  The autographed books will serve as tangible reminders to the students of what can be accomplished through hard work.