Foundation makes Grant to St. Marys Public Library
Elk County Community Foundation gives Grant to
St. Marys Public Library to be used for the Summer Reading Program.
Representatives of the Saint Marys Public Library and the Elk County Community Foundation met recently to review and give funding for the popular summer reading program held at the Library each summer. Nearly $1,100 came from two different Funds held a the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) to benefit the Library.
Some of the dollars distributed came from the St. Marys Public Library Endowment Fund which had been set up over 9 years ago by some local community leaders. The rest of the grant came from a fund set up for the Library when the Kiwanis Club disbanded. They put their left over treasury in a fund with the Foundation, for the St. Marys Public Library that was designated especially for Children’s Programming.
The St. Marys Public Library’s Summer Reading Program reached an all time high registration with 675 local children registering in 2010. The kids have a great time reading, participating in programs and activities, winning awards and prizes all summer long. This year’s theme is One World — Many Stories, focusing on travel and world countries and cultures.
The focus of the program is to ensure that children maintain their reading level during the summer when they are out of the classroom. Any child who completes the program by reading 10 books or 500 pages from June through August receives a free item from our Scholastic Book Fair held at the close of the program.
The annual Summer Reading Program has been especially successful in St. Marys, which is why it was such set-back when all funding was cut from the program in 2006. Prior to 2006, the program was completely funded with Family Literacy funds through the Even Start Program. When Even Start funding was cut, the library had to make a decision to either raise funds or stop having the Summer Reading Program. There was no question what had to be done.
Forging ahead, the Library turned to local businesses, organizations, and individuals for help in funding this worthwhile program which costs approximately $5,000 per year.
The community has rallied behind the library and made it possible to continue to not only hold the Summer Reading Program, but to watch it grow with more and more children registering every year. Every donor can rest assured that their contribution is going to the betterment of our community’s future.
The library has begun its annual fundraising drive for the Summer Reading Program. The library would appreciate donations from anyone who is interested in insuring the success of the Summer Reading Program.
Registration for One World — Many Stories begins June 1st through the month and ends on Aug 15 with the last day of reward pick up.
ECCF is a non profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non profit organizations as wells as administers a number of scholarships for individuals and groups. Donor gifts to the Foundations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For more information contact Paula Fritz Eddy at 814-834-2125 or check out their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
