SCCLD Libraries Receive Grant to Enhance Children’s Area

For Immediate Release
May 9, 2013

Kids Encouraged to Play as They Learn at the Libraries
 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.  The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) was awarded an Early Learning with Families (ELF 2.0) grant for its efforts to further promote play in early education and enhance library services to the very youngest of its community members.  The $6,600 ELF 2.0 grant will be used to purchase supplies and equipment for each of the eight SCCLD community libraries to support the development of literacy rich environments.
 
“We welcome additional funding for these important early childhood programs that complement our Library services,” said President Mike Wasserman, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and Delegate for the County Library District Joint Powers Authority. “Focusing on early education and development is an investment that will make our communities stronger.” 
 
Foundations for these developmental milestones are established during the first five years of life.  Success and growth in these areas are closely linked to a child’s earliest experiences with words, books and stories. The brain of a child between 0 and 5 is continuously forming new neural connections – as many as 700 per second, according to the Early Learning with Families California initiative (ELF 2.0) http://elf2.library.ca.gov/. These connections form the foundation for early learning, readiness for school and ultimately increase their potential for educational and career success in later years. 
 
“We look forward to updating the Children’s areas at all of our community libraries,” said Nancy Howe, County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD). “Early environments have a huge impact on a child’s development, especially for language, reading, and writing.” 
 
Created on the understanding that the majority of formative development in children takes place during the first five years of a child’s life, the Early Learning with Families (ELF) initiative was launched by the California State Library in 2006 to implement family-focused early learning services and programs.  In 2013, a second initiative was introduced to continue the development of library services to young children (0-5), their families and caregivers.  SCCLD is committed to offering families access to a wealth of resources, as well as rich learning experiences that support children’s development and well-being.
 
“The Children’s areas are among the busiest spaces in our libraries. Story times are often filled to capacity and our special programs earmarked towards the very youngest child are always extremely well received,” said Gail Mason, SCCLD Library Services Manager for Collection Development and Reading Services.  “Our libraries are helping parents and caregivers prepare their children for the future by offering high-quality, early learning experiences through a variety of activities.” 
 

About the Santa Clara County Library District

Known as one of America’s best 100 public libraries, the Santa Clara County Library District promotes knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Its collection includes more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from home or work.

For twelve years, the Library has ranked as one of the best in the nation for its size by Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings. Also recognized as one of America’s 2013 Five Star Libraries by Library Journal, the Santa Clara County Library District is one of the most-used public resources in the region.
 
The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. In 2013, the Santa Clara County Library District had more than 215,000 library cardholders and welcomed 3.2 million visitors who borrowed 9.7 million items.  Visit Santa Clara County Library District online at www.sccl.org.
 

Photo caption for attached images:

Children play at the Morgan Hill Library activity wall as part of the services provided for their early development.
 

Contact:

Gwendolyn Mitchell/Marina Hinestrosa
Office of Public Affairs
(408) 299-5119

Derek Wolfgram/Mark Fink/Lili Smith
Santa Clara County Library District
(408) 293-2326 ext. 3002/3010/3014