LANGDON PUBLIC LIBRARY AWARDED GRANT BY CHILDREN'S LITERACY FOUNDATION

submitted by Scott Campbell, Director
Langdon Library, Newington
(603) 436-5154

On November 28, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. children at Newington Elementary School were treated with a formal presentation of new books, featuring the storytelling of Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) Executive Director Duncan McDougall. The storytelling presentation is part of a larger donation awarded to the Langdon Public Library, including a collection of brand-new children's books valued at around $2,000.

This grant is part of CLiF's Rural Library Sponsorship Program, which awards support to 12 rural libraries statewide in New Hampshire and Vermont each year. This program was started in 1998 in an effort to boost the children's book collections of small libraries with the hope that increased exposure to great books and inspiring storytelling will go a long way toward improving children's literacy across the Twin States.

"The local public library is the primary source of books for thousands of children who live in rural communities," explains McDougall. "Unfortunately, due to shrinking budgets and rising book costs, many of these libraries possess only limited collections of children's books, and what volumes they own are often falling apart from over-use or are out-of-date." Langdon's new books were chosen by the library director, Scott Campbell, from the CLiF booklist, a list that includes nearly 700 titles - classics, Caldecott and Newbery award winners, recent titles, and a wide selection of books by local authors and illustrators.

CLiF is a non-profit organization founded in 1998. Its mission is to nurture a love of reading and writing among children throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Through 12 successful literacy programs CLiF will touch the lives of more than 10,000 young readers and writers across the Twin States this year.

CLiF does not receive any federal or state funds for its programs. It relies solely on the generosity of individuals, local companies and foundations. If you would like to find out more about CLiF, or make a donation, please visit our website at www.clifonline.org or contact CLiF Executive Director, Duncan McDougall. He may be reached at: 1536 Loomis Hill Road, Waterbury Center, VT, 05677; (802) 244-0944); or by e-mail childrens.literacy@verizon.net.