Chatham-Kent Public Library has announced the addition of new Early Literacy Stations at its Blenheim and Ridgetown branches through support from the Hydro One Community Benefits Fund.
Library officials said the stations are designed to provide children with safe, interactive and educational digital learning opportunities without internet access.
The child-friendly computers include child-sized keyboards and mice and are loaded with English and French educational games focused on foundational literacy and math skills, including letter and number recognition, phonics, rhyming and storytelling.
The stations are set up on accessible tables to allow patrons to use the equipment at comfortable heights. The stations are available on a first come, first-served basis during regular library hours at the Blenheim and Ridgetown branches.
The Hydro One Community Benefits Fund provides financial assistance for capital assets and community projects that address local needs.
“Literacy is a key to a successful and healthy community. So I’m thrilled that I was able to contribute some of my Hydro One allotment to this wonderful project,” Alysson Storey said in a statement.
Morena McDonald said she has personal connections to the Ridgetown branch and welcomed the addition of the new learning stations.
“I grew up coming to this library [Ridgetown Branch]; spent a lot of time here as a kid and as a teenager. It’s great to see not only the progress that this branch has made, but also the addition of the early literacy stations. We got to try it, and it’s so fun! I can just imagine kids from all over enjoying it, and especially kids of all ages, so I think it’s really great,” McDonald said.
The library also thanked Amy Finn, Storey, McDonald and Conor Allin for supporting children’s library services and early literacy initiatives in Chatham-Kent.
For more information, residents can contact the Ridgetown Branch at 519-674-3121 or the Blenheim Branch at 519-676-3174.
