The South Carolina State Library has recently awarded sixteen mini-grants for public library to promote reading and serve South Carolina families. The grants were awarded through two projects enabling libraries to increase resources for families reading and learning together, and to encourage families to enjoy spending time at their local community library. Nine county libraries received the AWE Early Literacy Station award: Abbeville, Charleston, Cherokee, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Oconee, and Union. Seven county libraries received the Grandfamily Resource Center award: Charleston, Cherokee, Clarendon, Dillon, Florence, Greenwood, and Marlboro.
The AWE Early Literacy Station project seeks to increase the ability of young children to use simple computer programs which convey basic literacy concepts. Young children and their parents sit together at touch-screen computers to play games and learn letters, numbers, and simple words. The public will be introduced to the AWE Stations during special programs this summer. Each library will also receive a set of read-aloud books for their collections.
The Grandfamily Resource Center project establishes a special place in the library for grandparents to sit and read quietly with young children in their care. Each year, more and more South Carolina grandparents are becoming primary caregivers for their grandchildren. A Grandparents Chair located in each Resource Center represents the commitment the library is making to supporting grandparents, and shows that grandparents are always welcome at the library. The Resource Center award includes a set of program materials, read-aloud books for young children, and books about parenting and grandparenting. Each library will also create a grandparents support group for their community.
Both projects are being funded by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by the South Carolina State Library.
For more information, please contact Kathy Sheppard at ksheppard@statelibrary.sc.gov or call 803-734-8653.
