Library Receives $2,000 in Grants
The Muskingum County Library system is receiving grant money to combat literacy problems in children.
Walmart South and Walmart North each gave the library system $1,000. The grants are intended to support early childhood literacy initiatives.
"So we have really increased our efforts to introduce children to books, reading, word recognition, vocabulary development and go off site and that is where we find the most success," says Blair Tom, Manager of Customer Service and Public Relations.
The Muskingum County Library is partnering with Zanesville Day Nursery, area head starts and other programs to help children read. Blair Tom says last year one-third of the students starting kindergarten in Ohio were not ready to read. As a result, they begin school at a disadvantage and many are never able to catch up.
"Well we have a literacy challenge in Muskingum County. Certainly if young people have those skills so they can start school, be successful then attain their goals for careers and education all of our communities benefit as a result," says Tom.
He also says the program is meant to get children excited about reading and feel more comfortable coming to the library.
Katie Jeffries
