Plant Seeds of Imagination Through the Befriend a Branch Program

Written by Staci Dennison, the Thomas W. Jones Executive Director of The Library Foundation

In the eyes of a child… libraries are like magical gardens. For generations, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has been a place to plant seeds of imagination and grow into abundant landscapes of learning. Thanks to donors like you, our public libraries will continue to be welcoming spaces of wonder, learning, exploration and fun!

Join us today by giving a gift to your branch! Thank you for helping your library grow minds of all kinds!

Recently, the Elmwood Place Branch Library was outfitted with a new versatile building brick and dry-erase board station, along with a set of Magnatiles. This small (but mighty!) branch is an oasis of learning and support for families in Elmwood Place.

“The younger kids enjoy drawing pictures, practicing letters, and playing school with each other while the older kids like playing word games and creating stories with our magnetic poetry set. Adults in the community are also thankful for all the things we’ve been able to purchase for the branch through the Befriend a Branch program. They enjoy seeing the kids participating in activities when they visit. Parents with young children that come in to use a computer or fax documents appreciate that their children are engaged while they complete their work.”

Rick M., Elmwood Place Branch Manager

The children’s area at the Sharonville Branch Library is the sight of a new railroad crossing. Aspiring young train conductors (and their parents) agree that the new train activity table is the perfect gathering spot for creative play and making new friends.

“Every day, children make a bee-line—with families in tow—to the train table as soon as they enter our doors. We are proud to be a favorite destination for families and have incorporated extra learning resources, like the train activity table, families will visit, stay and play for a while. From problem-solving to cognitive, social, and fine motor skills, toy trains are proven to boost the development of young minds.”

Tina R., Sharonville Branch Manager

Your Library Foundation supports these kinds of investments across the 41 branch library system thanks to the generosity of donors like you through the Befriend a Branch program. Donations made to support a specific location make a significant difference to the unique needs of that community and help library staff do more to grow minds of all kinds.

“We are forever grateful to our amazing donors for providing us funds--specifically for the youth in our community. The impact of their generosity reaches far beyond our walls and helps to change lives in big and small ways.”

— Rick M., Elmwood Place Branch Manager

Join us today by giving a gift to your branch! Thank you for helping your library grow minds of all kinds!