Elberta Public Library receives Dollar General Grant for Summer Reading Program

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 7/16/19

ELBERTA - The Elberta Public Library received a check of $1,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and used the money to put on a large Summer Reading Program hosted on Tuesdays beginning …

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Elberta Public Library receives Dollar General Grant for Summer Reading Program

Posted

ELBERTA - The Elberta Public Library received a check of $1,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and used the money to put on a large Summer Reading Program hosted on Tuesdays beginning June 11 to July 16.

“Thanks to the grant, we were able to do everything that we were hoping to do with our Summer Reading Program,” said library volunteer Jennifer Cain, who applied for the grant. “We’ve had a great time, and the kids have really enjoyed it.”

Approximately forty children registered for the program, enjoying crafts, stories, and educational learning throughout. Elberta Public Library volunteers wanted to create a program that would promote education and community-involvement, giving children the means to continue their education during summer through fun and engaging projects. The theme for the county’s reading programs this year is “A Universe of Stories,” as well as recognition of Alabama’s 200th Birthday.

“Our expected outcomes would be to prevent these children from experiencing learning loss over the summer with free educational and cultural enrichment activities while developing positive attitudes about books, reading and the library,” Cain said.

Each week of the program saw the study of a different state symbol, including the yellowhammer woodpecker, camellia flower, long-leaf pinecone, large mouth bass, red-bellied turtle, and the monarch butterfly in honor of Alabama’s bicentennial. Also taught were lessons pertaining to the moon in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing, the quilts of Gee’s Band, and Alabama caves. Each week ended with time for the kids to explore the library and check-out books to read independently.

“This program will motivate kids to learn more about the state they live in and encourage them to ‘reach for the stars’ and maximize their full potential,” Cain said.

Over the course of the program, children were given opportunities to craft oscillating bird toys, UFO models, homemade stalactites, cave drawing murals, galaxy rock painting, moving fish, a collaborative paper quilt making session, animated flip books on the phases of the moon, paintings, and rockets. Story time and singing were held during each week, and on the final day a large birthday party was held for the state of Alabama, including decorations, party favors, and cake.

The Elberta Public Library offers resources such as BaldwinCat, Learning Express, Homework Help Alabama, WorldCat, Chilton Automotive Library, CamelliaNet, Alabama Virtual Library, DMV Permit Practice Tests, and Accelerated Reader Bookfinder. The library is located at 13052-A Main Street. For more information, call 251-986-3069.