Alpharetta YMCA dedicates its Children's Sharing Library
Posted by Janet Ulrich
on Sep 25, 2014
Recently the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA sought funding for two new children's programs – A Summer Reading and Library Exchange program, and a Summer Hunger Relief Program. The Alpharetta Rotary Club funded both programs at substantial levels to support community-based projects. The Reading and Library Exchange Program is held at the Alpharetta Y, while the Summer Hunger Relief Program is conducted out in the community.
A plaque to sum up the power of reading for future avid readers
The Reading and Library Exchange program developed two libraries to reach children - one for Infants to Pre-K and one for Kindergarten through Third grade. Children may choose a book to take home, and are encouraged to share a favorite book with others through the lending program. The YMCA's objectives for the Reading and Library Exchange program, now named the Children's Sharing Library, are to promote the value of - and love for - reading, and to build an inventory of books for the ongoing exchange program at the Y. On September 9, the Alpharetta YMCA held its Grand opening of the Children's Sharing Library.
Initially, over 100 scholastic books were provided through the grant from the Alpharetta Rotary Club.
Beyond initial funding of the program, Alpharetta Rotary aims to support a model program, engage Volunteers to be readers to children, and sustain the program year-round.
The Summer Hunger Relief program was developed to alleviate hunger among school children in our community. Children out of school on summer break, who might otherwise miss their midday meal, were fed nutritious lunches provided by MUST Ministries. Rotary engaged its membership beyond the funding provided by actively participating in the lunchtime program activities. Over 150 volunteers from both the Alpharetta and the Windward-Milton Rotary Clubs served 2,200 lunches this summer.
Through these two programs, our community's children can thrive, be active, be engaged, have fun, and learn. Likewise, Rotarians can continue to serve the local community as they champion this sound Literacy and Education program.
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