News

SBSI Grant Supports Early Literacy Stations

(L-R) Louise Capizzo, Library Youth Services Manager, accepts a check in support of the Library’s Early Literacy Stations (seen in background) from Melanie Lee, SBSI Scarborough Branch Manager, and Terri Litchfield, SBSI Scarborough Branch Teller.

SCARBOROUGH – The Scarborough Public Library was awarded a grant from Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution (SBSI) in the amount of $5,148 to fund two new Early Literacy Stations (ELS) for the L

ibrary’s Youth Room. The stations were installed in December 2015.

Early Literacy Stations are designed specifically for children ages 2-8 and feature over 4,000 localized learning activities that span all seven curricular areas: math; science & nature; social studies & geography; reading; art & music; writing & computer skills; and reference. The stations offer a mouse and keyboard designed for tiny hands, as well as a touch screen feature.

“The Early Literacy Stations are very popular with young families who visit our Library,” says Nancy Crowell, Library Director. “The systems allow children to move through tutorials at their own pace and introduce children to technology in a safe and innovative way. They also compliment the traditional early literacy services we provide, including our weekly story times and reader advisory for parents. We’re very grateful for the many years Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution has shared our commitment to make these interactive learning tools available to our youngest visitors.”

Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution has a long history of supporting early literacy technology at the Library. In 1999, they funded the purchase of two iMacs for the Youth Room. The iMacs were replaced in 2006 with the newer Early Literacy Station technology through a second grant from SBSI. The community bank also funded the purchase of a replacement station in 2009. In 2012, SBSI awarded the Library a $6,000 grant to support its new e-book Cloud Library.

For additional information about early literacy programming and services offered at the Scarborough Public Library, visit their website at www.scarboroughlibrary.org. To learn more about ways Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution supports the communities it serves, go to www.sbsavings.com/community-investment.aspx

SCARBOROUGH – From July 27 through August 3, 2015, the Scarborough Public Library will exhibit the Susan McNamara Johnson Memorial StoryWalk™ on the Library grounds.

The StoryWalk™ was made possible through generous donations given to the Library in Susan’s memory and reflects her love of literature, her personal appreciation for the Library, and her passion for bringing books to life among the young. Susan was a retired teacher and resident of the Higgins Beach community in Scarborough, ME.

The book selected for this special StoryWalk™ is The Secret Pool, written by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye, and published by Tilbury House—all located in Maine. The book introduces young readers to the wonders right underfoot as the voice of a vernal pool shares its secrets through the seasons. An introductory storyboard offers suggestions on ways readers can enhance their experience as they move through the StoryWalk™.

StoryWalks™ are appearing in communities around the country as a way of mingling children’s literature with the outdoors. The original StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition (VBPC) and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

This StoryWalk™ is open to the public and free to explore. For more information, visit the Scarborough Public Library’s website at www.scarboroughlibrary.org.

SCARBOROUGH – The Scarborough Public Library will kick off its 2015 Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm with a performance at the Wentworth School cafeteria by Double or Nothing. The show is a fast-paced variety show of zany humor and incredible juggling feats starring Steve Corning and Shane Miclon. The event is free to attend. No pre-registration is required.

Families can register children for the Summer Reading Program the evening of the kick-off, or by visiting the Youth Room beginning June 15, 2015.

The Summer Reading Program lasts for eight weeks and offers a family-friendly schedule of reading incentives and exciting special events for ages pre-K through high school. Information and special program details for children up to Grade 5 can be found on the Youth Page of the Library’s website at www.scarboroughlibrary.org/youth. Details for teens Grade 6 and up can be found on the Teen Page at www.scarboroughlibrary.org/teens.

Young authors in Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 will also be invited to submit original stories to the Library’s “The Writes of Summer” contest. Stories will be read by guest judges, and winning entries will be posted to the Library’s website.

All Summer Reading Program events are made possible through funding provided by the Friends of the Scarborough Library. For more information, contact the Youth Room at 883-4723 option 3, or visit the Scarborough Public Library website at www.scarboroughlibrary.org.

SCARBOROUGH – Do you have a child starting kindergarten in Scarborough in the fall? Come to the Scarborough Public Library on May 14, 2015 at 10:30 am for a special “Meet Your School Librarian” story time.

The Youth staff at Scarborough Public Library invited Library specialists from the primary schools to read from some of their favorite picture books. Children will have the opportunity to make a connection with their school librarian, and parents will be introduced to the collaborative relationship that exists between the public library and school library staff.

This program is free to attend. For more information, contact the Youth Room at the Scarborough Public Library at 883-4723 option 3, or visit the Library’s website at www.scarboroughlibrary.org.

You may have noticed some subtle changes taking place in the Youth Room over the past few weeks. We are beginning to introduce new materials, parent resources, and "play spaces" as we work toward becoming a member of the Family Place Libraries™ network.

We were invited to work toward this designation based on our long-standing reputation for providing robust services for children and families.

Family Place Libraries™ are committed to providing services that build healthy communities and "nourish" families through programming and resources. We'll keep you informed of our progress throughout the year. And remember to check our Kids Blog for book recommendations and other news at KIDS@SPL

Scarborough Public Library

News

SBSI Grant Supports Early Literacy Stations

Library Memorial StoryWalk™

Double or Nothing Kicks Off Summer Programs

Special Guests at Library Story Time

Nurturing Lifelong Learners