Written by Staci Dennison, The Thomas W. Jones Executive Director of The Library Foundation and Chief Development Officer
“Libraries connect our communities and enrich our lives in ways we may not realize, and one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the unexpected and beautiful things libraries offer. Join me in celebrating the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day.” — Meg Medina, National Library Week Honorary Chair
I hope you will join me in celebrating our Library on Library Giving Day and throughout National Library Week! The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library does so much for our community – and is able to do much more thanks to your generosity!
It is awe-inspiring to witness the connections and impact our Library staff make with community members at each of our 41 locations every day. By making a gift to The Library Foundation, you can help our Library continue to do more for and with our community!
The Best Homework Helper Ever
New math, old math – regardless of how it is taught at school, the Library can make sure that the next test is an easy A. During the school year, K-8 students can get no-cost, walk-in, one-on-one homework help in reading and math at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
“One of our regular students who comes for afterschool homework walked in and saw one of her friends from school. She asked her friend, ‘Did you know there is homework help here? We have the best homework helper ever!’ ” –Shaun Davidson, Manager, Forest Park Branch Library
Storytime Superstar
About 40% of Ohio’s third graders cannot read proficiently. CHPL’s storytimes are developed to close this gap by incorporating the concepts of the Science of Reading. Led by a Youth Librarian, storytimes provide exposure to concepts, ideas, social skills, and literacy tools critical for kids to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
“We received an email from a Storytime Grandma…Thought you would enjoy Isa’s rocket ship and her flight to the moon. She loves coming to storytime and always enjoys the project extension activities you send home with her. Thank you so much for such an enriching opportunity. Isa has grown so much over the past year and our weekly storytime visits have been such an important part of her growth and development. Thank you for all you do! Irene (aka – Grandma).” – Tom Gardner, Manager, Wyoming Branch Library
Looking Up at the Library
The Library is where new ideas and information can be discovered, even outside our solar system! To expand access to STEM-related learning tools and materials, the Library has partnered with Dean Regas and the Cincinnati Observatory, to circulate 10 Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch astronomical telescopes for use by library cardholders.
“We emailed a customer to let her know it was her turn to check out our telescope. This was her response: ‘I am excited to try this out. At 76 I’m still learning fabulous things thanks to the Library.’ ” – Kate Denier, Manager, Harrison Branch Library
Thanks to supporters like you, The Library Foundation can fund programs like Homework Helpers, provide extra supplies to support literacy-building activities like storytime, make unique local collections available and accessible, and so much more! By making a gift to The Library Foundation, you can help our Library continue to do more for and with our community. For more information or to make your gift online now, visit LibraryIsImportant.org
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