Guelph Public Library says, “Thank you!”

Thank you for inviting me to your meeting and giving me the opportunity to express how much everyone at the library appreciates your kind and generous donation.  I want to give special thanks to Lisa Hood who nominated us and must have given a convincing argument for our case.  I cannot thank each and every one of you enough!

I’ve been at the Guelph Public Library for over 30 years and it’s a terrific place to work.  We pay special attention to programming for children and I think that’s why we are so successful.  We have the highest per capita circulation rate among libraries our size.  It’s hard to believe, but we are now considered a ‘large’ urban public library!

Steve Kraft, CEO of Guelph Public Library, delivers a wholehearted “Thank you!” to 100WWCG.

One of our main commitments is promoting literacy.  Reading is the most important tool a child can use to succeed in today’s complicated world.  Our objective is to help as many children (and adults) in the city achieve that goal and one of our most popular methods is known as the Early Literacy Station.  Actually, it’s a computer for children ages 2 to 8.  Its interactive software holds over 70 programs with over 4,000 activities.  The content spans all components of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education including reading, writing, phonics, math and problem solving, science, and social studies.

Steve Kraft, CEO of Guelph Public Library, receives a “big cheque” from Tannis Sprott of 100WWCG.

It’s hard to believe but many children still don’t have access to a computer in their home.  But they can come to the library and use one of ours.  The Early Literacy Station allows children to attain early literacy and school readiness skills.  We now have two stations in each of our six library locations.  They get an abundance of use and happy abuse from their users.  They cost approximately $4,000; that means your generous contribution has allowed us to purchase three new ones!

As curious individuals I know you’ll want to drop by any of our locations to check them out