PRESENTATION OF CHECK TO THE STARK COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY

   On December 11, 2015, President Paul White presented a check in the amount of $2,500.00 to Kevin Smith, incoming President for the Stark County District Library Foundation.  This check represents funds received from a District Matching Grant which is designed to fund small-scale, short-term activities that address a need in the community. 

 

This grant will help create Family Place spaces in two libraries in the City of Canton. In order to prepare the children of Ohio for success in life, the State has recently instituted the Third Grade Guarantee.  This means that all students must be reading at a third grade level in order to advance to the fourth grade.  In Canton, 38% of third grade students were not reading at this level and required intervention.  Studies show that children who start school behind are very likely to stay behind throughout their education.  Those students who start school with pre-literacy skills in place are much more likely to remain successful throughout school. The Stark County District Library is a critical partner in education focusing on reaching children before they get to school.  By supporting pre-schools, teachers, parents, and students, they play a vital role in getting children ready for school, ready to read and ready to succeed. 

 

As part of the Start Smart initiative which emphasizes early literacy, the Stark County District Library has Family Place spaces in two of the Canton city branches already.  Those branches have seen an increase in use by families and more interaction between the parents and their children.  They have seen the impact of Family Place Libraries in helping parents with the vital job of being their children's first teacher and in connecting families to resources that are available in the community.

 

The Library and the Rotary Club of Canton will co-host a launch event for this project in order to increase public awareness.  Rotarians will have the opportunity to assist with the planning and implementation of a family friendly event to celebrate the opening of the new Family Place spaces.  

 

Pictured:  President Paul White, Rotarian Tena Wilson, Kevin Smith