Warsaw Community Public Library has received a grant of one AWE Early Literacy Computer to enhance the early literacy efforts already being offered in its library."This computer system dovetails perfectly with WCPL's mission to promote life-long learning. With 43.72 percent of our district's students receiving free or reduced lunches and lacking the resources to have personal computers, having just one early literacy computer, preloaded with early literacy software and no Internet access, available for young patrons use has limited our ability to fulfill this mission. This new computer will enable us to introduce more young children to early literacy skills, a second language as well as building computer knowledge," said Ann Zydek, WCPL director.
The new computer system will be used to expand the library's current story hour into a bi-monthly bilingual story hour with the AWE computer "reading" one of the installed Living Books in Spanish while a presenter reads the same book in English. In addition, plans are underway to introduce a Computer Family Day program into the library's existing youth program schedule to give young patrons and their families hands-on experience. This program will give families the opportunity to explore and create together in producing projects such as digital family albums, story books, counting books, etc.
This project is supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support of the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant-making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build 21st-century skills, and increase civic participation.
To learn more about the Institute, visit: www.imls.gov
