Thanks to the Altrusa Club of Hamilton County, young visitors to Hamilton North Public Library (HNPL) have a new literacy and creative station for book reading, block building, and child-to-child conversations. The kid-sized white table features shelves and red, canvas storage bins to store toys and books.
Altrusa Club Director Carol Rader (left) and Altrusa Club President Joanne Kemp show one of the board books the club donated to Hamilton North Public Library. (Photo provided by HNPL)
This donation comes at a perfect time, because the current table in the children’s wing was well-loved and falling apart. The fact that the table was donated by a member of the Altrusa Club in memory of her mother gives the table special meaning for the club and library. Literacy is a focus for the Altrusa Club, so local libraries and preschools often benefit from the club’s charitable giving.
“We really needed a new table, and this activity and learning center accommodates either standing or kneeling play, perfect for our youngest learners. It’s a cool table and easy to maintain!” Children’s Librarian Debra Brown said.
In addition to the table, the Altrusa Club purchased new building blocks and various sets of board books whose authors and titles are particularly popular with preschool children. “It’s important that children engage in creative construction and have access to educational activities at home,” said Joanne Kemp, President of the Altrusa Club of Hamilton County.
Altrusa’s focus on early childhood literacy projects the last two years brought these books and table to the children’s wing of the Hamilton North Public Library in Cicero. (Photo provided by HNPL)
“Club members of Altrusa are very gracious and very generous. Thank you Altrusa,” Library Director Ann Hoehn said.
Brown and HNPL Director Ann Hoehn said they are pleased that the Altrusa Club considered these donations for the Cicero Library and appreciate being able to provide new items to patrons. Cicero Library currently offers Story Time hours three days each week, with limited numbers attending. Please visit hnpl.lib.in.us for details.
About Altrusa
Altrusa is an international non-profit organization dedicated to making local communities better through leadership, partnership, and service. The local club focuses on service, literacy, and fundraising projects each year. More information about this club is available at districtsix.altrusa.org/hamilton-county.