Young learners are getting a head start at Blenheim and Ridgetown’s libraries thanks to the installation of new Early Literacy Stations.
Made possible through the support of Hydro One’s Community Benefit Fund, money is being used to update child-friendly computers with child-sized keyboards and mice.
The stations provide safe interactive digital learning without accessing the Internet. They are loaded with educational games in English and French to foster foundational literacy and math skills, including letter and number recognition, phonics, rhyming and storytelling.
Set on portable accessible tables, the stations are available during regular library hours on a first come, first served basis.
Councillors Conor Allin, Alysson Storey, Amy Finn and Morena McDonald stepped up to assist the program expansion by contributing a portion of their Hydro One community benefit to the effort.
In a recent media release, Storey said she supported the project, as literacy is 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,” Storey explained.
McDonald, who grew up going to the Ridgetown library, said it’s great to see the project take shape at the branch with the addition of the Early Literacy stations.
“I can just imagine kids from all over enjoying it, and especially kids of all ages, so I think it’s really great,” McDonald added.
