Outreach Programs for Children
1. Applicant: Bridgeport Public Library
Municipality Bridgeport
Funding: $20,000
Project Abstract:
INVENTION CONVENTION AND BEYOND! The Bridgeport Public Library (BPL) wants to reach students who are not using library services.
We want to show them how library services are relevant to their educational needs. BPL will accomplish this by helping children
in grades 5 and 6 to become better science students as they work towards the Invention Convention and Science Fair, the new
focus of the Bridgeport Public Schools science curriculum. BPL wants to help these students by reaching out to their parents
and science teachers. In conjunction with the Bridgeport Public Schools science department, we will hold a series of workshops
for familes, and a series for science teachers. These workshops are designed to offer training and technical assistance that
will demystify the process of doing science fair projects and research. Librarians will introduce the many science resources
available at the library.
2. Applicant: Danbury Public Library
Municipality Danbury
Funding: $11,752
Project Abstract:
The difficult life circumstances of most teenage mothers and their children have intensified interest in finding ways to support
young mothers in their efforts to become self-sufficient, delay subsequent childbearing, and promote awareness of child development
early in their children's lives in order to break the cycle of poverty and reliance on welfare. One innovative service delivery
option available is the establishment of EvenStart of Danbury for teenage mothers and their children. The Danbury Library
and EvenStart of Danbury, A Family Learning Program of the Danbury Public Schools will partner together to extend and enhance
the EvenStart of Danbury services by providing a literacy based program designed to educate and empower teenage parents to
be their child's first teacher.
3. Applicant: The Ferguson Library
Municipality Stamford
Funding: $17,089
Project Abstract:
In the past year, The Ferguson Library created a Special Needs Center to serve parents of children with special needs. In
addition, a number of community agencies who serve young children with special needs have expressed interest in collaborating
with the library to provide programming and services to the children their organizations serve. In order to meet the needs
of all of these children with inclusive and appropriate library services, The Ferguson Library will undertake a multifaceted
endeavor, to ensure that there will be NO CHILD LEFT OUT. Elements of this effort will include (1) training youth services
staff in specific techniques needed to plan and conduct story times for children with special needs, (2) providing story
time programming for children in support of this programming, (3) adding a wide range of adaptive hardware and software to
our two special needs computers to enable special needs children to access the library’s computer resources, and (4) designing
and conducting a series of outreach and in-house program to serve children and adults from a number of community organizations
and schools.
4. Applicant: Killingly Public Library
Municipality Killingly
Funding: $8,760
Project Abstract:
In an effort to connect children, parents, caregivers and books, the Killingly Public Library, in collaboration with Killingly
Family Resources Center, will reach out to Killingly day care providers through monthly literacy visits. The childcare outreach
project will focus on the need to connect library services to and provide early literacy involvement and parenting education
to the licensed home childcare providers. The project will require visiting childcare homes on a monthly basis. The Assistant
Children’s Librarian will provide theme based story hours for children in childcare along with age appropriate activities
and early literacy guidance to day care providers.
5. Applicant: Thompson Public Library
Municipality North Grosvenordale
Funding: $3,000
Project Abstract:
The local family resource center, Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG), provides community services such as a parent
support group, a young parent group, parent education, and early childhood playgroups. It lacks family literacy materials
such as quality children’s literature, parenting materials, and professional resources for staff. TEEG services a portion
of the community not previously exposed to the library and the full benefits of library services. The library will utilize
the grant to begin an outreach program with two goals. The first goal is to supplement TEEG’s collection of family literacy
materials. The second goal is to provide instruction to TEEG’s clients on the benefits of reading to your child as early
in life as possible and ways to introduce early literacy skills to children.
6. Applicant: Willimantic Public Library
Municipality Willimantic
Funding: $19,833
Project Abstract:
The Willimantic Public Library will use grant funds to support an ongoing literacy collaborative among the Willimantic Public
Library, EASTCONN, and Windham Public Schools called the Joy of Reading. The Joy of Reading is an intervention program that
pairs fifth grade students at Windham Middle School with Windham Preschool and Head Start children. Currently there are 104
fifth grade students participating in this program and 44 preschool children in the Town’s Preschool and Head Start program
being served.
Using money from this grant, the Library will be able to develop a collection of picture books and Parent / Teacher resources
that will support the program without compromising access materials to its regular patron base. In addition, it will provide
transportation from the school to the Library for class visits. Family events will be planned to increase familiarity with
the Library, raising the level of comfort that families feel when trying to access materials in the Library in order to create
regular Library users. The intended long-term goal of the program is to bridge the gap between school, home and library.
Programs for Non-English Speaking Populations
1. Applicant: Danbury Public Library
Municipality: Danbury
Funding: $19,621
Project Abstract:
The Danbury Library has made significant headway in its efforts to facilitate English language learning for Non-English speaking
populations in the greater Danbury area. The library currently offers 20 hours per week of self-paced computer-based English
language instruction and has a growing collection of circulating materials for English language study at home. While the
current library resources for English language learning have been very successful, the library recognizes that programming
to complement and enhance these offerings and address other informational needs of Non-English speaking populations is also
needed. The Danbury Library now seeks funding to partner with Western Connecticut Regional Adult Education (WERACE) to develop
this programming, thereby providing more comprehensive services to Non-English speaking populations.
2. Applicant: E. O. Smith High School
Municipality Storrs
Funding: $5,140
Project Abstract:
The Library will develop a program, with a resource person, which will lead to a better understanding of their new culture
while enhancing their language acquisition. These students enter E.O. Smith High School with a broad range of talents; their
skills vary dependent upon their culture and personal experiences. All lack vocabulary, writing skills, and cultural knowledge.
This project will introduce them to the concept of community service, enhance their student resumes, and broaden their language
experiences while they develop skills in the social interactions of a new culture. With this program the Library Media Center
can provide the resources, tools and projects they need to help them improve their literacy skills as they advance and develop
in this new second language.
3. Applicant: Farmington Library
Municipality Farmington
Funding: $10,000
Project Abstract:
The Library will establish a library outreach program for adults whose primary language is not English. The Library will
purchase library materials and will share them with participants once a month. Participants will receive library cards and
have an opportunity to speak with a professional librarian about library resource. Groups will tour the library, hear a commercial
about library offerings, and will be able to sign up for programs for themselves and their families. Four paid programs based
on needs and interests will be offered to the group, and computer training sessions will be provided. This will be a cooperative
venture between the Library, Town of Farmington Human Services, Farmington Schools, Farmington Diversity Network, and the
Farmington Continuing Education Department.
4. Applicant: Hartford Public Library – Park Street
Municipality Hartford
Funding: $5,600
Project Abstract:
Hartford Public Library will support the mayor’s home ownership initiative by providing a Spanish language home ownership
collection at each branch and bilingual workshops at four branches (Spanish/English.) The Library will make homeownership
information available to native Spanish speakers (Latinos) to increase homeownership in Hartford in alignment with the mayor’s
initiatives and goals. The goal of the mayor’s home ownership has a goal to increase home ownership from 25% to 30% over
the next five years.
5. Applicant: New Britain Public Library
Municipality New Britain
Funding: $15,300
Project Abstract:
In response to a high demand for resources for learning English as an other language and at the same time, for materials in
languages other than English, the New Britain Public Library proposes to broaden its services to its Non-English speaking
population. The library will augment its computer-based programs as well as tapes, videos and related language teaching materials
for teaching English as a second language; grow its collection of materials in languages other than English, and promote these
services through programs, displays and publicity aimed at the Non-English speaking community. The library will collaborate
with its in-house partner, Literacy Volunteers of Central CT, in choosing software and promoting individual ESL instruction
using computers. The library will expand its collection of Spanish and Polish materials (of all types), improve signage for
its collections in other languages, develop booklists and displays to attract attention to the new materials, and expand its
public relations efforts. Consideration will be given to relocating these materials to make them easier to find for those
not fluent, or reading well in English as part of the library's ongoing renovation project.
6. Applicant: Silas Bronson Public Library
Municipality Waterbury
Funding: $20,000
Project Abstract:
The Library, in collaboration with Literacy Volunteers, will acquire, install and train ESL learners on both the Rosetta Stone
Language System and the ELLIS Interactive ESL software program. In addition, they will hire a part-time, bi-lingual classroom
aid, train partner agency staff and volunteers, provide instruction on the programs and, finally, promote the ESL/Hispanic
Services of the Library.
7. Applicant: Stratford Library Association
Municipality Stratford
Funding: $8,000
Project Abstract:
Stratford has one of the state's most diverse populations of residents who do not speak English as their primary language.
There is a growing population there who, according to the 2000 Census, speak English "not well" or "not at all." This confirms
the need for providing materials and services to those residents wishing to learn English. The Library is the institution
to provide many of these services and materials. The hallmark and aim of this project will be "Family Literacy." The Library
will work closely with the Stratford Public Schools and Stratford Continuing Education to identify language needs, develop
points of contact with the target communities and to build a Program of Family Literacy for English language learners of all
ages. This project will expand existing collections in both the size and diversity of language materials offered, and position
and market these collections in the manner most accessible to the target population. Special effort will be made to introduce
"walk-in" English language learners to the services available for them, both in the library and in other town agencies.
8. Applicant: Tunxis Community College
Municipality Farmington
Funding: $15,973.00
Project Abstract:
The staff at the Tunxis Community College Library works consistently and conscientiously to extend personal reference services,
access to resources, and information literacy to students, faculty, staff, as well as to the larger Tunxis community. One
group of students and adult learners who they particularly want to reach and “help make their lives easier” is their English-As-A-Second-Language
(ESL) students and the local ESL community. In 2004 the College hired an additional permanent full-time ESL instructor and
a bilingual (English/Spanish) Librarian. With this grant the library will establish a formal ESL Center that will provide
patrons with a comfortable and inviting area housing a clearly defined collection of materials for those whose native language
is not English, but whose goal is to learn English.
9. Applicant: West Hartford Public Schools
Municipality: West Hartford
Funding : $20,000
Project Abstract:
The West Hartford Public Schools’ Department of Library Media Services will establish a program to promote literacy among
families whose native language is Spanish. The program will be piloted in the two elementary schools with the greatest number
of students who are native speakers of Spanish. The Library will provide book bags to students and their families to improve
parent literacy and increase family participation in programs offered through the public library, the public schools and the
Family Resource Center. They will create a Parent Advisory Group, comprised of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
parents, to assist in identifying and meeting the needs of parents. In collaboration with the Faxon Branch of the West Hartford
Public Library the West Hartford Public School System will hold a series of family literacy events and activities. The program
will be known as LIBROS – Literacy Improvement Bags Result in Opportunities for Success.
Programs for Older Adults
1. Applicant: New Haven Free Public Library
Municipality: New Haven
Funding $20,000
Project Abstract:
This project seeks to establish the foundation of a "Transitions Center for Older Adults" which will serve as a resource of
information about issues of interest to older adults and a vehicle toward meaningful their civic engagement. The center will
function as an informal meeting place and a venue for programs on topics relevant to seniors. The Volunteer Center of Greater
New Haven will collaborate with NHFPL to offer active older adults opportunities for "high impact" volunteer placements within
the library and with a variety of New Haven non-profit agencies.This proposal builds on our ongoing Senior Life Options project
with Libraries For the Future and the Volunteer Center of Greater New Haven.
2. Applicant: Russell Library
Municipality: Middletown
Funding: $19,965
Project Abstract:
Russell Library will conduct a project titled Reach out and Draw in the Elderly which will enrich the confined elderly in
Middletown through delivery of library materials (books and remembering kits) by volunteers to homes and care facilities.
A second component will be rotating deposit collections of materials in care facilities. An Elderly Services Librarian, strong
in interpersonal skill with older adults, will be hired to oversee the remembering kit presentations and home deliveries as
well as the preparation, distribution and promotion of the deposit collections for the residents of the care facilities.
Needed materials will be purchase
Adaptive Technology
1. Applicant: American School for the Deaf
Municipality West Hartford
Funding: $3,112
Project Abstract:
The Library will purchase the Casablanca Student Prestige System and a portable desk in order to make the system easily transportable.
The Prestige system permits relatively seamless capture and transfer of visual information in various forms (photographs,
pictures, CD images, digital camera images, etc.) This will assist teachers in making abstract concepts more understandable
to deaf students while using an instructional method most appropriate to their style of learning.
2. Applicant: Asnuntuck Community College
Municipality Enfield
Funding: $9,293
Project Abstract:
The Asnuntuck Community College Library will upgrade adaptive technology for its students, faculty staff, administrators,
and community borrowers with disabilities. While the Learning Resource Center has some adaptive equipment, it needs to be
upgraded to keep current with the adaptive technology being used in other libraries and in patrons’ homes. Equipment requested
will also build on the only adaptive technology currently available on campus. Print-enlarging and voice-activated software
have been installed on one computer in the Academic Skills Center, which offers tutoring and other academic assistance to
all Asnuntuck students. LRC staff will coordinate with staff in the Academic Skills Center as well as college Information
Technology staff in locating, configuring, and supporting this equipment for maximum accessibility to all students who will
benefit from it.
3. Applicant: Cora J. Belden Library
Municipality Rocky Hill
Funding: $3,000.00
Project Abstract:
The Library will purchase a portable magnifying device called a Traveller (by Optelec) for staff and patron use. They will
also purchase two ergonomically correct tables for existing full size Optelec machines in the Information and Children’s Departments.
4. Applicant: ECSU /J. Eugene Smith Library
Municipality Willimantic
Funding: $5,424
Project Abstract:
The library will upgrade the capabilities of the Special Study Room (which currently holds two computers and one scanner)
by adding software that can “read” each screen to a user who has vision disabilities. The Library will also upgrade software
that allows users to scan documents and have the computer read the document to them. Finally, the Library will add two high
quality scanners, high quality speakers to the computers, and will improve the workstation furniture to the computers currently
in the room.
5. Applicant: Lucy Robbins Welles Library
Municipality Newington
Funding: $3,067
Project Abstract:
The Library will install an FM assisted listening system in the main program room, the Community Room, and will purchase a
portable transmitter for other areas of the library. The portable transmitter and receivers will also be used for group tours
and instruction throughout the building. The Library will also purchase two types of headphones and loops to meet individual
needs of patron who are hearing impaired, and will purchase two compliance signage kits that will fit in with promotional
plans.
6. Applicant: Preston Public Library
Municipality Preston
Funding: $6,459
Project Abstract:
The Preston Public Library serves many patrons who are visually impaired or deaf/hard or hearing. In order to provide services
to these patrons, they will use grant funds to purchase: a video Magnifier which scans printed text and projects it to a
screen, screen Magnification software , a hand held closed circuit television enlarger which allows visually impaired patrons
to read, a projection unit to use as a computer aided note taking machine, software and videos (I See What You say, Dragon
Naturally Speaking, and OutSPOKEN which will assist the deaf, hard of hearing and the visually impaired, and Large Print plus
Braille keytops and Orbitouch Keyless keyboard, for those who are unable to use conventional systems
7. Applicant: Stonington Free Library
Municipality Stonington
Funding: $4,032
Project Abstract:
The Library wants to enhance the services they offer to visually impaired patrons by providing a stand-alone electronic video
magnifier, computer screen magnification software, and a second large print computer screen. Addition of a video magnifier
will allow patrons to read library materials as well as their own materials. The Library will also purchase a wheelchair accessible
workstation. Addition of a second large print computer screen will double the Library’s current ability to provide this service
to visually impaired patrons. This monitor will attach to an existing computer, but will need a wheelchair accessible workstation.
Screen magnification software for the two computers with large monitors will provide for magnification of icons and pictures
as well as text. One of the stations will have both magnification and speech, and for the other (located in the reference
area) will have speech capabilities only.
8. Applicant: The Brookfield Library
Municipality Brookfield
Funding: $3,264
Project Abstract:
The Library will purchase a Pulse Data SmartView5000 video magnifier with a 19” color monitor, a height-adjustable, handicapped/wheelchair
accessible workstation for the magnifier, and a fully adjustable chair for patrons not in a wheelchair. The Library will
also send posters announcing the availability of the magnifying unit to every optician, optometrist, and ophthalmologist in
the Brookfield area and to all medical professionals in Brookfield.
9. Applicant: Wintergreen Inter-district Magnet School
Municipality Hamden
Funding: $6,100
Project Abstract:
The library will purchase a 15 seat site license for the WYNN 3.5., a computer program the reads previously scanned text.
Basically, it is a talking computer. One program, the WYNN Wizzard, will be “scan and read” so that material can be scanned
into it. The other programs, WYNN Readers, will be “read only.” The Library will purchase a Visioneer 9650, a scanner with
optical character recognition, and an automatic document feeder. The vendor, Vision Dynamics, will come the school for one
seven hour day to train the technical staff and teachers in the building.
