The Friends of the Shepherdstown Library (FOSL) and the Rotary Club have each donated $500 to help expand the Shepherdstown Day Care Center’s (SDCC’s) “Book in a Bag” program. This program promotes reading and will help further the literacy skills of the 92 children (infants through fifth graders) who are currently enrolled at the SDCC.

To encourage SDCC parents to read to their children at home, each parent’s information packet will offer advice for reading to children at various developmental stages, an overview of the benefits of reading aloud on a regular basis, a library card application for their child, and a “read aloud” contract.

Each child will receive a take-home bag that includes an age-appropriate book selected by Children’s Librarian Lillian Bauer. Younger children’s bags will include toys and activities related to the book’s theme; older children’s bags will have a reading journal. The bags will be assembled and distributed by Day Care Center staff, who may be reached at (304) 876-6923.

The Shepherdstown Rotary Club’s “Rotary Reads” grant program is one of several Club activities aimed at enhancing literacy among local children. It is awarded each year in March to worthy institutions for programs or projects that promote reading. Since their organization’s founding in 1905, enhancing literacy has been a major priority of Rotarians.

The Friends of the Shepherdstown Library is a non-profit group which raises money for children’s programs, reference materials, and other Library purchases and services. FOSL-sponsored events and fundraisers include their annual book sale to be held on May 9, 10 and 11. Please call the library at (304) 876-2783 for more information on FOSL.