Altrusa of Hamilton County, a local service organization, recently announced that it has completed its three-phase literacy project at the Hamilton North Public Library in Cicero. A member of Altrusa International, the local club focuses on literacy and service projects throughout the calendar year.
Learning that the children’s reading table needed replacement at the Cicero site, the membership donated a new literacy and creative center for preschoolers in the children’s section of the library as part of Phase 1. In addition to the table, the club’s membership also donated a full set of large Legos building blocks which will enhance gross and fine motor skills and foster imaginary play.
The table will be a center for children to gather for story time, engage in constructive play activities, and assist the younger children in developing basic social skills. The table is designed to store materials on open shelving and in large storage book bins. The table was donated in memory of a member’s mother who was a school teacher and social worker, who believed in the development of early reading skills.
Phase 2 of the recent project consisted of a donation of numerous Primary Board Books aimed at children in the three to six age group. Joanne Kemp, President of the local chapter, said that the club donated the reading materials to foster reading for pleasure, assist children in learning the alphabet, enhance vocabulary development, and help establish a love for learning in general.
Carol Rader, a club member and retired elementary school teacher, said that learning to read is fundamental to academic success during the school years thereafter. She noted that learning to read is about developing listening skills, recognizing the printed letters and words, and, finally, understanding the basic concepts contained in the stories. The Cicero Library currently offers Story Time hours three days a week to preschoolers.
Altrusa of Hamilton County wrote a grant for Phase 3 of its literacy project, and when funds were received from District Six of Altrusa International, additional books were purchased for the summer reading program for intermediate level students who use the Cicero Library.
Rader explained that this age group frequently receives a recommended reading list prior the dismissal in May and students receive extra credit for the books read. The Cicero Library provided Altrusa with a list of book titles most requested by Intermediate Readers and members used the chapter’s grant money to buy additional books. The majority of books focus on biographies, history, and social science subjects.
Altrusa International has been serving communities since 1917. The local chapter will present its most recent project at the Altrusa International, District 6 conference on May 7 and 8 via Zoom. Other club recipients this year include the Tools for Schools program and various local Veterans organizations.
Altrusa of Hamilton County has commenced its spring membership drive and invites anyone interested in community service and learning more about Altrusa of Hamilton County to Club Secretary Donna Prather (317) 850-2963 for additional information.