Westfield Memorial Library wins $4,800 in County Grant Money

(September 2, 2015) – The Westfield Memorial Library was recently awarded $4,800 as part of the 2015 Union County Library Grant Award for children’s programming. Awarded by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the grant opportunity seeks to expand, create and enhance programming offered to children in all Union County public libraries.

Adrienne Basso, Coordinator of Youth Services, wrote the grant application with Library Director Phil Israel. He said, “We are so pleased that the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has recognized the importance of providing innovative and imaginative resources for children that will help them grow and learn. We greatly appreciate their commitment and support.”

The grant money will be used to upgrade one of the library’s Early Literacy computer stations; establish an online collection of almost 1,000 interactive books designed to help children build core competencies in reading, math and multiple literacy skills; and establish a core collection of self-contained MP-3 audiobooks for children in grades K-6. All of these resources should be available by December.

The Early Literacy Station TM (ELS) is an all-in-one touch screen computer designed specifically for children ages 2-8. The expansive library of educational applications is eclectic and engaging. From Math Doodles and Speakaboos e-books to Dora the Explorer, there is something special available for every child’s learning preference.

The proposed online collection of animated, talking picture books, TumbleBookLibrary, teaches young children the joys of reading in a format they’ll love. The TumbleBookLibrary helps children build core competencies in reading, math and multiple literacy skills.

The collection includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, playlists, books in languages other than English such as French and Spanish, graphic novels and math stories. There is no limit to the number of children who can access the collection simultaneously or the number of times they can view each title.

The all-in-one MP-3 audiobooks known as Playaways are about half the size of a deck of cards and hold the audio for an entire book. Each one is pre-loaded with high-definition audio and is more convenient and easier to enjoy than juggling multiple CDs, cassettes or a separate player.

Playaways enhance a child’s reading and learning experience because of their portability. Children can take Playaways anywhere, which allows them to enjoy literature or learning without the need of an Internet or wireless connection.

This new audio core collection will feature books from the top 100 best selling Playaway titles for grades K–6.

Administered through a Trust Fund with established non-tax dollars, the grant opportunity made available over $73,000 to all 20 Union County Public Libraries.

Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library—the community’s destination for discovery and ideas—engages minds, entertains spirits and facilitates lifelong learning for people of all ages. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and closed on Sunday until September 20.

For more information call 908.789.4090, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org, and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter “Library Loop,” or stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street for a copy of the award-winning quarterly newsletter “Take Note.”

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