SIDNEY — Shelby County Libraries is an active hub for reading, research and learning in communities throughout the county. It recently established a fund within the Community Foundation and is participating in the 2018 Match Day event.
Match Day gifts will support a project known as “Investing in Literacy – A Year of Enriching lives through literacy opportunities.”
“We are giving our countywide reading programs and outreach materials a real boost with Match Day support,” said Suzanne Cline, executive director. “Some have been long-standing, while others incorporate new technology.”
Library patrons will benefit from support for the Winter and Summer Reading Programs and visits from children’s, teen and adult book authors. Babble Bags, which contain basic books and literacy encouragements, will be provided to families delivering babies at the Emerson Family Birth Center at Wilson Memorial Hospital. The bags promote the start of parents reading to their newborn from day one.
Newer technology supported by Match Day gifts will include early engagement kits, which include gadgets to measure the number of words spoken to an infant, as well as literacy items to assist with growing readers. Launch Pads, preloaded tablets, will provide educational and literacy programs for children and teens.
“Our mission is to promote, support and provide cultural, leisure and life-long learning activities. We want to encourage readers in all stages of their lives,” said Cline. “We hope people will help us gain the entire $5,000 in available matching money to help us with these efforts.”
To support the Shelby County Libraries Foundation on Match Day, gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/Shelby County Libraries noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com and at locations of the Shelby County Libraries. Gifts must be received on or before Nov. 27 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.
