The Community Foundation of Greene County is pleased to announce it has awarded over $13,000 to the Eva K. Bowlby Public and the Flenniken Public Library from the Campbell Family Fund to support 2025 the summer reading programs at both libraries.
“Summer reading programs are vital to the welfare of our community’s youth in that they provide inclusive literacy based activities for children and teens. These programs are instrumental in providing a learning bridge for students. Studies have proven that students may lose up to two months of reading proficiency and an even greater loss in math skills during the summer months. Also, students participating in Summer Reading Programs score higher on achievement tests and assessments at the beginning of the school year. The 2025 theme, Color Our World, is an invitation to explore art in a myriad of ways with inspiring and engaging activities which incorporate STEM into a full day of activity. Bowlby Library is providing a full eight weeks of summer programming beginning June 14th with a Color Our World festival and the activities will continue into August providing educational and fun enrichment opportunities for all,” said Kathy McClure, Executive Director of the Eva K. Bowlby Public Library.
Nicole Mitchell, Executive Director of Flenniken Public Library, said, “Summer reading programs in public libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning within communities. These initiatives provide a structured opportunity for individuals, particularly children and young adults, to engage with literature during the summer months when school is out. By offering a diverse selection of reading materials and activities, public libraries not only foster a love for reading, but also help combat the ‘summer slide’, a phenomenon where students lose academic skills over break. These programs encourage social interaction and community involvement by bringing together readers of all ages, fostering a sense of belonging and shared literary interest. In essence, summer reading in public libraries is vital for enhancing educational outcomes and nurturing a culturally enriched community.”
“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Campbell for your financial donation to positively impact the school-aged youth of Greene County. We appreciate your leadership in meeting community needs,” said Ms. McClure and Ms. Mitchell.
The Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC), a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000, is the central philanthropic vehicle in Greene County for donations of various types and sizes. CFGC currently manages over $8 million in assets through more than 100 different endowed and restricted funds.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Greene County, view our website at www.cfgcpa.org. Contact us by email at cfgcpa@gmail.com or call 724-627-2010.