Colbert Nembhard
For 25-years, Colbert has been the manager of the Morrisania branch of the New York Public Library.
And for the last eight years, he has brought literacy and happiness to homeless children. How?
(Story continues from "Read More")
Each Wednesday, Colbert arrives at the Crotona Inn homeless shelter, books and puppets in hand and the fun begins.
According to the New York Times, one Wednesday went like this:
"It's a pleasure to come in here," Mr. Nembhard began on that Wednesday, never removing his jacket during a presentation that was just short of a Mr. Rogers routine."
He began to sing, "Good morning to you," and followed with "Wheels on the bus." The children joined in with a chorus of "round and round, round and round."
Toddlers and older children, and their mothers were immediately caught up in the moment.
Soon they were looking at "Dear Zoo," by Rod Campbell, a lift-a-flap book, as an elephant, a giraffe and other animals popped up.
And more entertainment followed, including finger puppets.
Colbert Nembhard
What began eight years ago, at the Crotona Inn, has now through others, spread to 30-homeless shelters.
"We build relationships with them so that when you see them they feel comfortable," Colbert told The New York Times, about the children he serves.
"We bring the library to them."
Colbert's creativity and kindness are a testament to what one caring person can do to help the smallest and most vulnerable people in a community.
