Crandall Public Library received a grant of $25,000 from the locally-based Leo Cox Beach Philanthropic Foundation.
Funds awarded by the foundation support four Library projects over the next year, including:
• Promotional activities for the library’s new early literacy initiative, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This free reading program encourages families of children ages eighteen months and older to read 1,000 books with their children before they reach school age.
The program aspires to prepare children for kindergarten, foster a life-long love of reading, and increase community literacy. Small incentives for every 100 books read are offered to generate excitement and track progress. The grant will cover quarterly promotional activities to raise awareness and encourage participation. The program, launched in January, already has more than 350 families enrolled, library officials said.
• The purchase of a slightly used, concert-grade piano. The piano will be located in the Christine L. McDonald Community Room for use in Crandall programming, including the now annual Summerland Music Society Chamber Music Series. Officials said the purchase enables the Library to expand musical programming and provide more diverse cultural experiences to regional residents.
• The Portraits project. The Folklife Center will produce documentary films of local folk artists and activities, which will then be made accessible online for public viewing. Portraits will showcase regional traditions, folk arts, events, and music to a broader audience, furthering the Folklife Center’s mission.
• The implementation phase of the Branding Project. Once research and message development are complete, a marketing plan will be carried out to improve the Library’s communication with the public.
“The Leo Cox Beach Philanthropic Foundation has long provided opportunities to the Crandall Public Library community that would not otherwise be possible,” stated Crandall Director Kathy Naftaly. “We are extremely grateful for their ongoing dedication to enhancing quality of life in this region.”