By Dale Jones
Editor
Pinson Public Library is one of just 20 libraries across the United States that was chosen to receive a grant for their summer reading program for teens.
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) has chosen the 20 libraries to receive its 2016 Summer Learning Resources Grant.
The grant’s purpose is to provide libraries with funds to purchase literacies resources that will strengthen and expand the impact of the library’s summer learning program towards teens most vulnerable to summer learning loss, including teens who speak English as a second language,
teens in socio-economically challenged communities, and teens who are at risk of failing school. Each grant is worth $1,000. The grant is possible through a sponsorship from The Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
“We plan on using the money to put on a series of programs for 6-12th graders,” said Library Director April Wallace.
Wallace said that the program series theme this summer will be “adulting.”
“The library wants to provide events where the teens can learn about practical, useful things that will be used in the real world.”
According to Wallace, the library is currently working on booking the programs and hopes to offer the following events: CPR certification, basic car maintenance, learning about types of insurance, self-defense, and budgeting tips.
In addition, the library is also one of just 20 libraries across the U.S. chosen to receive teen internship grant.
The grant allows libraries to hire teen interns to assist in the implementation of their summer learning programs, while also helping teens gain real world work experience, and develop professional skills.
“It will allow us to have 2 paid teen interns this summer,” Wallace said.
The Pinson Public Library has begun taking applications for the internship positions.
Applications can be found on their website pinsonlibrary.org.