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Posted: Friday, June 1, 2012, 8:23 am
Summer is here! The nice weather makes me think about visiting the library before going on camping trips, riding above the cab of the pickup truck in the camper, reading Stephen King and listening to Bread on the 8-track tape player.
It also makes me think of warm evenings at the ballpark, Cracker Jack, "Sweet Caroline" and the seventh inning stretch.
by Chuck Gibson
The Summer Reading League is just one of the many programs sponsored by the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries. The Friends Foundation, founded in 1972, is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary of supporting the programs and other important initiatives of Worthington Libraries. An independent 501(c)3 organization, the Friends Foundation contributes approximately $35,000 to the Library each year. They raise this money through book sales, memberships and special events.
The Friends Foundation has made many things possible at Worthington Libraries, and the organization continues to advance its legacy of generosity. They recently announced they would provide $40,000 in matching funds to create Homework Help Centers in both Old Worthington Library and Northwest Library.
Libraries throughout Ohio and the nation are making a difference in the lives of students by providing dedicated homework help. In 2008, Worthington Libraries opened its first Homework Help Center, located in the Worthington Park Library. The Homework Help Center provides students with access to homework assistance, computers, books and other resources needed to get their homework done. The center is open 3:30-6:30pm, Monday-Thursday, during the school year.
Since it opened, use of the center has increased dramatically. In 2011, Homework Help Center use increased 20 percent, and in 2012, more than 35 students were served each week.
The success of the center at Worthington Park Library prompted us to investigate the feasibility of opening Homework Help Centers at both Old Worthington Library and Northwest Library, and we have determined there is a definite need in both locations.
We plan to create the new centers by modifying existing space in both libraries. The cost of transforming these spaces, including minor construction and technology, is an estimated $80,000. Our goal is to have both centers open and fully operational before the start of the 2012-2013 school year.
The Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries will match community donations for the Homework Help Centers and is committed to funding half of their cost. I invite you to consider making a difference in the lives of children, helping them succeed in school and in life, by donating to this project.
Here's to library books on camping trips, double plays and, of course, visits to the library during summer vacation! Have a great summer, and don't forget to register early for the Summer Reading League.
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