The Foundation for Baltimore Public Library is nearing its fundraising goal of more than $400,000 to construct a new interactive learning center for Maryland children.
So far the organization, which mobilizes resources to support Baltimore County?s libraries, has raised more than $330,000. Recent contributions have come from Bank of America, which gave $25,000; Rosedale Bank, which also donated $25,000 and Willard Hackerman, which gave $50,000.
“We are actually ahead of schedule, and the business and corporate community has been amazingly generous,” said Debbie Thomas, the foundation?s executive director. “People can really identify with this project.”
The new learning center, called Storyville, is being created in response to the state?s Children Start School Ready to Learn Act. Museum-like in nature, the learning center will be designed to look like a small town and will include areas for children ranging from infancy to age 6.
Specific features include a baby garden, home living area, store, theater and construction site. Books appropriate for the specific age group and materials for parents will be placed at each location. Storyville will be located at the Rosedale Public Library on Kenwood Avenue in Baltimore County.
“It?s really based on learning through play,” said Marisa Conner, youth services coordinator for Baltimore County Public Libraries. “Our major goal is to have learning be fun and to promote reading to last a lifetime, as well as to get children in our county ready for school.”
Conner added that in 2005, only 65 percent of children entered kindergarten with the skills needed to be considered “ready to learn.”
Thomas said that construction on the planned learning center is slated to begin by the end of 2007, but that date could be moved up, as fundraising is about six months ahead of schedule.
The center will be constructed off-site and will take about three months to construct. It will then be transported to the library and assembled.
“Part of learning, literacy and language is experiencing different sights and sounds. This will help them develop all sorts of school skills,” said Thomas. “You have to be uninspired to not get excited about going to a place like this.”
To help
» To donate to the foundation visit www.foundationforbcpl.org and click on the donate today option, or mail donations to 320 York Road, Towson, MD 21204. For more information, call 410-887-3282.
