(CANTON, OHIO) Stark Library’s successful Summer Fun School is getting a major financial boost, which will extend its reach into underserved communities. The Library received two grants, enabling them to reach even more children with educational and physical nourishment this summer. The Ohio Department of Education awarded an Accelerating Learning Grant of $270,000, which the Library received in partnership with the Akron-Summit County Public Library. The state grant money comes from federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. In addition, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton awarded Stark Library a $51,520 grant.
Last year, Stark Library’s Summer Fun School sent bookmobiles to more than 5,500 kids and families in the Canton City School District. Library staff distributed books, summer activity kits that helped build skills in reading, math, and science, as well as free backpacks filled with food. The additional funds will allow Stark Library to add at least six new stops this summer.
After seeing the success of Stark Library’s efforts, the Akron-Summit County Public Library was interested in offering the program to students in their community. The two libraries collaborated to apply for the state grant to address learning loss and accelerate learning for kids through grade five.
“We still have kids who are behind from the pandemic,” says Mary Ellen Icaza, Stark Library’s CEO and Executive Director. “Combine that with the typical summer learning slide, and it is very concerning. It’s even more difficult in underserved communities, where families often can’t afford supplies and materials for kids to learn at home.”
“We are pleased to have received a joint grant from the Ohio Department of Education that will enable us to build on the work that Stark Library has done to reach children in the summer. We hope to see the same success by using our much-beloved bookmobile service to help students improve their skills and return to school in the fall, better prepared for another year of learning.” Pamela Hickson-Stevenson, Executive Director, Akron-Summit County Public Library.
The state grant funds literacy and academic activities in Summit and Stark Counties, while the Sisters of Charity grant helps pay for the learning costs and incentive awards in Canton neighborhoods. Stark Library is partnering with the Stark County Hunger Task Force to provide meals for the children at the neighborhood sites in Canton, and this year is adding two Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority food distribution sites.
“If children are hungry, they have a hard time learning,” says Marianna DiGiacomo, Stark Library’s Community Services Director. “So, we are working with local organizations to provide that very basic need.
“By going straight into the neighborhoods, we remove the barrier of transportation to accessing these valuable resources. Our staff is right there with food and the learning tools they need at absolutely no charge to them. Kids walk with their families and friends and sometimes ride bikes to our convenient stops. They’re so excited to come to the bookmobile!”
“Our literacy team has done a great job reaching children in Canton with the Summer Fun School,” Icaza concludes. “We’re excited to expand our efforts here in Stark County and to see the positive impact on kids north of us, as the Akron-Summit County Public Library begins their program this summer.”
Stark Library will unveil its Summer Fun School schedule in the middle of May, with the bookmobiles hitting the road throughout the summer.
For more information about the Library’s literacy efforts, and many other programs, visit StarkLibrary.org.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Stark Library is committed to strengthening the community by advancing literacy, connecting people, and encouraging exploration. We envision a thriving, literate, and equitable community.
One of the 9 largest library systems in Ohio – Stark Library serves the community through 10 locations, our bookmobiles, and our 24/7 digital branch.
For locations, hours or more information visit StarkLibrary.org or call 330.452.0665.
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