The Germantown Community Library is excited to announce a $1,000 donation by Kiwanis to fund an early literacy program. Funding will focus on reading programs for ages 0-5 and will include funding for storytime, an early literacy program in September and checkout kits in our Library of Things, Jr. collection.
Storytime has been a consistent program for decades at the Germantown Community Library – currently averaging 20-30 people per session. The summer storytime session was sponsored by Kiwanis of Germantownn and had over 800 participants between June and August.
Fall Preschool Storytime will start on Tuesday, September 13 and will run every Tuesday through November 29 at 9:30am & 10:30am. Each 25-minute session features stories, movement and music geared for ages 3-5 followed by a craft or activity. Fall Baby/Toddles Stortyime will start on Wednesday, September 14 and will run every Wednesday through November 30 at 9:30am & 10:30am. Each 15-minute session is geared for ages 0-2 and ends with playtime or an activity. All Storytimes are flexible with ages, free of charge and do not require registration.
The library will be hosting a “Pigeon Party!” on Saturday, September 24 from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Kids and families can enjoy early literacy activities and drop-in storytime themed with Mo Willem’s pigeon character and more! Due to a generous donation from Kiwanis of Germantown, the first 150 kids will receive a free Pigeon book by Mo Willems. Children must be present to receive a book.
A portion of the donation will also go towards purchasing additional electronic reader kits for our Library of Things, Jr. Collection. This new collection was started by a donation from the MOMS club of Germantown and features puzzles, board games, phonics kits, and other non-traditional items available for checkout.
“We are excited to work with local organizations and continue to provide the community with programs and activities focusing on early literacy,” states Trisha Smith, Library Director. “Kiwanis has been huge supporter of the Germantown Community Library. The library has enjoyed working with Kiwanis on a number of community events such as A Taste of Germantown and Breakfast with Santa. We are thankful for their generous donation to support early literacy programs at the library for our youngest community members.”
The donation by Kiwanis to fund an early literacy program is characteristic of the goals of Germantown’s largest club. Kiwanis of Germantown has been proudly serving the community for over 31 years and is a group of community volunteers comprised of individuals from a wide array of backgrounds. Its volunteers raise fund to give back to the community and support youth leadership and volunteer programs in the Germantown School District including K-Kids, Mac Leaders and Key Club. Kiwanis of Germantown also supports their adult members by sending them to leadership programs such as Leadership Germantown. Kiwanis of Germantown sponsors several events each year including A Taste of Germantown and Breakfast with Santa, inviting all Germantown residents to enjoy events in the community. Their latest initiative to build a pavilion that the public can come together and enjoy has culminated in the Gehl’s Performing Arts Pavilion at Fireman’s Park.
Kiwanis membership is open to the public and meetings are held every second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30am at the Germantown Community Library. To learn more, visit: https://www.gtownkiwanis.org/
If you have any questions, please contact Cara Reimer, Germantown Community Library Outreach Specialist at creimer@germantownlibrarywi.org or (262) 305-6996
