Library receives grant to support kindergarten readiness

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The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County received a $16,500 Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Services and Technology Act Literacy Grant by the State Library of Ohio, which supports kindergarten readiness training for librarians and the purchase of Early Learning Backpacks for families to borrow.

Kindergarten readiness training will be led by Saroj Ghoting, an early childhood literacy consultant and national trainer on early literacy. Ghoting has provided training to national organizations such as the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County librarians will be trained in all-day workshops in April, May and August. These workshops will establish a foundational knowledge and include hands-on practice and activities on the five domains of early learning, including social and emotional development, approaches toward learning, cognition and general knowledge, language and literacy and physical well-being and motor development. Youth librarians will apply this knowledge to both library programs and our community partnerships. The workshops will also be open to youth librarians across the state.

“I am so pleased that we will be able to share these important concepts not only with our staff, but with library staff from around Ohio, as well. We are grateful to have the support of the State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services in this endeavor,” said Aimee Fifarek, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County executive director.

The Library Services and Technology Act Literacy Grant also funded the purchase of 62 Early Learning Backpacks. These backpacks include books, toys and an activity guide. They are aligned with a specific skill from the early learning and development standards and provide parents with activities and tools to develop kindergarten readiness skills at home. These interactive kits are available now at every Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County location.

“Research tells us again and again that early learning is a key component in giving children their best start. We are thrilled to help our community through these trainings and Early Learning Backpacks,” said Erin Phemester, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County programming and youth services director.

“As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information and new ideas in the arts, sciences and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other,” said Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”

This Library Services and Technology Act Literacy Grant enables the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to become a more intentional support for families on kindergarten readiness by training librarians in the Early Learning and Development Standards and providing kindergarten readiness tools directly to parents.