INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation has announced a $1 million gift from The Herbert Simon Family Foundation (HSFF) to endow the administration of early literacy and technology programming for children up to age five as part of the Library’s Ready to Read initiative, which has served over 23,000 children since its inception.
Launched in 2009 with an initial leadership gift from HSFF, Ready to Read prepares young children for a successful start in school with specialized programs and services that help them learn to read and use technology. It also equips parents and caregivers with free resources to guide their children in learning.
The most recent gift from HSFF specifically will endow the Library’s position of Early Literacy Specialist whose expertise in early childhood development has led to the creation of strategic, research-based programming. The staff position also provides training for the Library’s children’s services staff and community childcare providers, technical assistance for the Library’s outreach to 200 ministry and licensed home day cares, and leadership in forming partnerships with other early childhood organizations.
Contact the Library Foundation at 275-4700 or visit www.indyplfoundation.org for more information on supporting Ready to Read and other Library programs.