The Friends of the Gates Public Library are partnering with the Gates Public Library and Neil Armstrong Elementary School to launch an educational after school program this spring. The Gates Public Library is the first library in the region to pilot this type of program.
The goal of the new program is to help students from Neil Armstrong Elementary develop critical skills through reading, interactive technology, games and art projects that reinforce key components of literacy.
“We are lucky we’ve got a great library in Gates,” said Sue Swanton. “A few months ago though, we were concerned to hear from a teacher at Neil Armstrong that the majority of his students weren’t able to go to the library because they lack transportation.”
During the months of April and May 2016, K-5 students from Neil Armstrong Elementary School will receive bus transportation to the Gates Public Library, where they will participate in engaging and creative activities tailored to each grade level. At the end of each day, parents can explore the library with their children and check out books to bring home.
The test scores of low income, at-risk youth improved significantly in both reading and mathematics after they participated in after-school programs, according to a 2006 analysis of 35 studies on out-of-school programs.
The Friends of the Gates Public Library, a volunteer organization that supports library programs and services, is currently raising funds to make this program possible. The organization hopes to reach its goal of $5,000 to fund additional staff and purchase art supplies and iPads with instructional software. To donate, pick up a form at the Gates Public Library or submit online at gateslibrary.org/supportthefriends.
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