SOMERSET ― The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded $2,500 grants, totaling more than $37,000, to 15 libraries throughout Pennsylvania as part of the Sustaining Success project initiative.
The funding will help support existing programs in Family Place Libraries in Pennsylvania. This is the first year this specific grant is being offered. Somerset County Library, 6022 Glades Pike, Suite 120, Somerset, is one of the libraries receiving funding.
The purpose of the project is to support existing Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries and existing Play and Grow Libraries by offering funding in the form of a local library grant to update their childhood/parenting space, including toys and collections for very young children and resources for parents, according to a press release.
"We are excited about the news that we are one of 15 libraries chosen to receive funding as part of the Play and Grow Sustaining Success grant," said Elizabeth Hornig, assistant director of the Somerset County Library, in an email. "Last year, we received funding to become a Play and Grow Library. Through that grant, we attended workshops to learn how we can focus our storytime programming on helping young learners grow developmentally.
"During our Play and Grow sessions, children are encouraged to develop their cognitive, language, motor, social and emotional skills. We were also able to purchase new books for our Board Book and Easy Reader sections and educational toys that supported those skills. While reading is important, young children do most of their learning through play."
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is continuing to support these programs because of their success both from the perspective of librarians, as well as the community, and to ensure that the project continues to be sustainable for libraries, according to the press release.
There are 90 Family Place Libraries throughout Pennsylvania. Play and Grow was introduced as a similar initiative in 2019 with local training staff and fewer barriers to participation.
“The Sustaining Success local library grants are just one of the many grant funding opportunities available to libraries throughout Pennsylvania, and they help libraries continue to provide tools, resources, and learning spaces for learners,” said Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “Our libraries open the door to learning and opportunity for Pennsylvanians, while providing a place for the community to gather. These grants will help children, parents, and communities alike continue to learn, grow, and thrive together.”
Hornig said Somerset County Library will use the grant funds to procure materials that address various challenges parents may encounter, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.
"These resources will provide parents with valuable insights and strategies for effectively navigating these challenges, empowering them to support their children's unique needs with confidence and compassion," she said. "These resources will deepen parents' understanding of child development and learning processes, equipping them with practical tips and techniques to facilitate their children's learning and growth effectively."
Hornig said one key aspect of this initiative involves updating and expanding the library's collection of children's books to cover a diverse range of topics.
"These books will serve as valuable tools for nurturing children's social and emotional intelligence, while also laying a strong foundation for their future educational success," she said. "By offering a rich array of reading materials, we aim to ignite children's curiosity, expand their horizons, and instill a lifelong love of learning.
"Overall, the materials purchased with this grant will not only enrich our Play & Grow programs but also empower both children and parents with the tools they need to thrive."
https://www.dailyamerican.com/story/news/local/2024/09/06/somerset-county-library-funds-as-part-of-play-and-grow-sustaining-success-grant/75042045007/