Chico Public Library, Inc. of Chico has received a grant from The Priddy Foundation to fund community programs for children, teens, and adults. The funding will benefit all residents of Wise County by allowing them to participate in any and all 2016 Chico Public Library programs without charge.
First established by the Chico Women’s Study Club in 1975 and later incorporated as Chico Public Library, Inc. (CPLI), the nonprofit organization provides free public library services to all Wise County residents. During its 40 years of service, Chico Public Library (CPL) has established itself not only as an information resource and a traditional lending library but also, through the provision of technology and educational programming to patrons of all ages, as a resource whose existence is essential to the community's well-being.
“Wanting to develop a rich and diverse lineup of social, educational, recreational, and informational programming that would benefit Wise County residents of all ages, we sought support from The Priddy Foundation last fall,” says Library Director Michelle Slonaker. “We knew exactly what we wanted to do and had planned carefully in hopes of offering community-based programs throughout 2016. Thanks to The Priddy Foundation, we were able to start in January and will continue providing such programs through the end of December.”
CPLI will use a portion of the funds to establish a pilot project to test the feasibility of adding local high school students to library staff as paid interns, thereby offering them an opportunity to develop an array of skills and on-the-job experience necessary for college and career success. Tangible items made possible by the grant include much-needed folding tables and chairs, a laminator to be used for themed displays and program-related art projects, refreshments for the twice weekly after school Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM) programs – and a refrigerator to assure refreshment storage at appropriate temperatures.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Chico Public Library, Inc. relies heavily on the support of volunteers, community partnerships, and donations to fulfill its mission of providing free and equal access to educational, informational, recreational, and cultural resources, and promoting the use of the library to every member of the community through a diverse collection of materials, media and programs for all ages. For more information on how you can support the li-brary, please visit chicopubliclibraryinc.com or call Michelle Slonaker at (940) 644-2330.
