Library Foundation Receives $25,000 Grant for Early Literacy Program

The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from the Darr Family Foundation to support Ladders to Literacy, a new initiative that will strengthen school readiness through equipping childcare providers with early literacy education tools. 

Bridget Dierks, Executive Director for the Library Foundation, said investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective ways the Library can help improve literacy outcomes for young children. 

"We know that children from low-income households often face barriers when learning to read," Dierks said. "Our library district can help them by bringing reading tools, lessons, and fun activities directly to caregivers and educators so early literacy becomes part of their everyday interactions." 

Through Ladders to Literacy, the Springfield-Greene County Library District will partner with about 40 childcare classrooms across Greene County, prioritizing sites that serve children with the greatest needs. Early childhood providers will receive practical tools and training to incorporate research-based early literacy practices into their daily routines. Funding from the Darr Family Foundation will support program development, educational materials, classroom resources, professional training, and books for participating children throughout the two-year initiative. 

Heather Zoromski, Executive Director of the Darr Family Foundation, said that its mission is to empower under-resourced youth to overcome barriers to opportunity. 

“The Foundation recognizes that one of the most important indicators of a child’s future success is early literacy,” said Zoromski. “We are excited about this partnership and grateful that we have an incredible library system providing these opportunities to our youngest readers.”

The two-year initiative builds on the Library's nationally recognized Racing to Read early literacy framework and is part of the district’s strategic goal to connect new users and underserved communities with library programs and services. More information about the Library’s strategic plan can be found at thelibrary.org/mission-statement.