“If you can light the spark of curiosity in a child, they will learn without any further assistance.” That was the belief of Sir Ken Robinson, the British educationalist whose TED Talks on creativity and education grabbed headlines in the early 21st century. The Rowe family knows that many of those childhood sparks are lit through the Library, which is one of the reasons they invested in the renovation.
Books were always a priority in the Rowe household. The family didn’t have a lot of money, so books were (and still are) the de facto Christmas gift. It is no wonder that all five of the children grew up to be strong readers. As adults, they still enjoy reading and then exchanging their books with each other during family holidays.
It may seem simple, but lighting that spark of curiosity is not always easy. Each child is unique. What works for one may not work for another. The subject that fascinates one leaves another unmoved. Yet the entire Rowe family knows, without a doubt, that the right subject and the right approach can unlock a child’s interest and cultivate a love of reading. And once a child can read, the opportunities are endless.
The Rowe family tradition of book giving continues with the grandchildren, as does the emphasis on literacy. Regardless of where they live, family members can talk with future generations about the legacy they have provided to the Library, which they view as a jewel in the Cultural Center crown.
The Rowe family has a heart connection to children and the importance of reading. They hope each child who comes to the Library will find the spark that lights his or her passion for reading.
