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PRESS RELEASE
Verizon
Foundation and the Lewis Library and Technology Center help 200 of Fontana’s youngest
residents learn to read using computers
Release Date: September 4, 2008
Fontana,
California, August 25, 2008. Thanks to a generous $24,000 grant from the Verizon
Foundation last December, the Fontana Library Foundation purchased eight Early Literacy
Stations (ELS) for the Lewis Library and Technology Center. These literacy stations are
targeted to help children age two to age eight develop literacy skills and include 34
educational software packages spanning seven curriculum areas including: reading/writing;
math/problem solving; science; research; music/arts; computer skills; and social studies.
While children from the community have been using the literacy computers since the new
library opened in April, in partnership with the City of Fontana and the Fontana Library
Foundation, the Lewis Library and Technology Center recently launched a unique program
that makes use of the literacy computers and offers 200 kids the chance to combine fun
and reward with learning.
Applications are now being accepted for the EXPLORE Literacy Program,
and two hundred children age two to eight years of age will be admitted into the program
on a first-come, first-served basis. Each week for 10 weeks, the kids in this program
will spend approximately 15 minutes on the Early Literacy Stations in the Children’s
Library, exploring the wonderful world of reading through digital stories, games and
other software programs. Program participants will be given weekly incentives to reward
their progress and to encourage them to continue. As well, all children who successfully
complete the 10-week EXPLORE Literacy Program will be invited to participate in a special,
public recognition ceremony.
“We offer many reading programs here at the Library,” said Leonard Hernandez, regional
manager of the Lewis Library and Technology Center. “This is our first program, however,
that uses computers to teach children to read. Not only will the literacy stations provide
children with an entertaining way to learn important literacy skills, but they will also
teach them vital computer skills.”
To learn about the EXPLORE Literacy Program or other educational opportunities
for children at the Lewis Library and Technology Center, call (909) 574-4530.
About the Verizon Foundation
The $24,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation is part of their campaign
to build literate communities through online resources, community-based initiatives,
and programs advancing literacy for all ages. The Verizon Foundation is a leading supporter
of innovative, technology-based approaches to literacy and K-12 education, and through
their partnerships with organizations like the Fontana Library Foundation, the Foundation
aims to teach non-readers to read and help advance the skills necessary to live and work
in the 21st Century.
About the Lewis Library and Technology Center
The 93,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Lewis Library and Technology
Center is a place where people can meet, study, read, attend programs, and engage in
a variety of other lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the Children’s Library
and the ELS terminals, the Library features a homework center, literacy center, career
center, 330-seat auditorium, clock tower, young adult cyber cafe, coffee bar, and a local
history and genealogy room.
Contact Information:
Kathleen
Fariss, Director of Development
Telephone: (909) 350-6586
Fax: (909) 350-7667
E-Mail:
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