Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club Supports Literacy with Grant

We’re thrilled to announce a generous donation from the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, supporting the purchase of materials to enhance early literacy for children in our community. 

The $750 grant, awarded at the Rotary Club’s October breakfast meeting, was received with gratitude by Elsbeth Howe, foundation executive director; Mark Troendle, library director; and Craig Hansen, library trustee. The grant will fund the purchase of VOX Books and Wonderbooks, which combine books with audio narration to make it easier for children to read along and listen to a story.  There is high demand for these formats, and the new titles are expected to be checked out over 400 times in the first year.

According to Angela (Angie) Petrie, youth services supervisor, the grant will allow the library to expand the highly popular VOX and Wonderbooks read-along collection by adding 14 new titles. 

Angie explains, “These books come with an integrated audio player and can be used independently—no screens, Wi-Fi, or internet access are required. They offer an engaging and accessible format that supports all readers, particularly those looking to build their confidence.  The collection includes picture books, early readers, and nonfiction titles. While these books are frequently checked out, you can place a hold on any that catch your interest! We're always here to answer your questions and assist with placing holds.”

Tina Swanson, chair of the Rotary’s local grants committee, shared, “Stillwater Sunrise Rotary is delighted to provide this grant to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. Education and Literacy is one of six Areas of Focus for our club and aligns with the strategic plan of both Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Stillwater Public Library is an absolute gem, providing resources to young and old and everyone in between” She also quoted Malala Yousafzai, emphasizing the power of education: “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

By acquiring innovative tools like Wonderbooks and Vox Books the library is fostering a dynamic learning environment where young children can develop critical reading skills, improve comprehension, and foster a lifelong love of learning which will have a lasting impact on the literacy development of children in our community.

The Stillwater Public Library Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary for its commitment to literacy and community enrichment.