Feds award grant for literacy and homework help in West Sac

Woodland Daily Democrat

Yolo County Library recently received notice of a three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services grant award which will bring $133,624 to Yolo County to fund family literacy and homework help programs in West Sacramento.

Beginning this month, and continuing through September 2011, these funds will used to support family story times, parenting workshops and after-school homework help at the Yolo County Arthur F. Turner Branch Library temporarily located at 840 Jefferson Avenue in West Sacramento. The congressionally directed IMLS grant was obtained with assistance from Congressman Mike Thompson.

"The Arthur F. Turner Library is a wonderful resource for West Sacramento residents, especially young people who need academic support beyond the classroom," said Congressman Mike Thompson. "I am very happy that I could secure this funding to expand the library's literacy services."

Senator Barbara Boxer also helped in acquiring this IMLS grant. "Expanding the Arthur F. Turner Library's literacy and community outreach activities will provide vital afterschool programs that will not only keep kids safe, but also improve their academic performance and help give them the tools to succeed in life," said U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. "I am proud to have helped in securing this funding for the Yolo County Library."

The IMLS grant is awarded based on need and an agency's ability to provide or expand services in conjunction with similar organizations. "We will be able to provide critical services to West Sacramento families in collaboration with other community agencies such as Families in Self Help, Inc., Washington Unified School District, the Yolo County Office of Education, and our own Health Department and Department of Employment and Social Services," notes Patty Wong, Yolo County Librarian.

The grant will fund family literacy and homework help activities at the Arthur F. Turner Branch in its interim location at 840 Jefferson Avenue for the next year, and also at other partner locations in West Sacramento.

Upon completion of construction of the new library in fall 2009, services provided by the grant will follow to the new and improved library.