Early literacy stations opened in Blenheim
New early literacy stations are now available at the Blenheim and Ridgetown branches of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
East Kent Councilor, Morena McDonald, left, Chatham Councilor, Alysson Storey and branch head Amy Osborne are shown with one of the Chatham-Kent Public Library's new early literacy stations.
Literacy stations are child-friendly computers with child-sized keyboards and mice, that provide safe, interactive and educational digital learning without accessing the internet.
Each station comes loaded with French and English educational games that foster foundational literacy and math skills, such as letter and number recognition, phonics, rhyming and storytelling.
They are set up on accessible tables, so children can access the computers at heights suitable to them. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis during library hours in Blenheim and Ridgetown.
This updated equipment has been made possible through the Hydro One community benefits fund.
The fund supports capital assets and provides financial assistance to individuals, community groups or not-for-profit projects that address a community need.
“Literacy is a key to a successful and healthy community. So, I’m thrilled that I was able to contribute some of my Hydro One allotment to this wonderful project,” Chatham Councilor, Alysson Storey said in a release.
East Kent Councilor, Morena McDonald said she grew up coming to the Ridgetown branch.
“I spent a lot of time here as a kid and as a teenager,” she said. “It’s great to see not only the progress that this branch has made, but also the addition of the early literacy stations. We got to try it, and it’s so fun. I can just imagine kids from all over enjoying it, and especially kids of all ages, so I think it’s really great.”
In the release, the library thanked councillors Storey, McDonald, Amy Finn and Conor Allin for their “continued support of library services for children and their commitment to fostering early literacy in Chatham-Kent.”
For more information, contact the Ridgetown branch at 519-674-3121 or the Blenheim branch at 519-676-3174.
