Big Things Come in Small Packages

Tuscola Public Library

112 E. Sale St.

Tuscola, IL 61953

(217)253-3812

The people, young and old, in our community we hoped to benefit have been very pleased with the impact this grant has made. The daycare providers have been very cooperative in allowing us to “try out” our new programs and have encouraged others to take part. A local newspaper article has also generated much interest. Since initiating these innovative outreaches, we hope to see an increase in registered patrons. A major roadblock to scheduling events has been the overly-full school calendar. This grant-sponsored outreach has been a wonderful boon to our library!

Traveling Story Time

• According to the daycare providers and the excitement of the children, the Traveling Story Time has been a big success! A couple of books, a puppet or a nursery rhyme with the magnet board are the ingredients for fun learning.

Story Time Supplies

Folkmanis Puppets . . . Felt Board Sets . . . Magnet Board Sets . . . Books . . . Craft Supplies . . . So many fun ways to enjoy learning!

Discovery Packs

Each pack contains an assortment of activities and books centered around a single theme, such as ABCs, Numbers, and Community Helpers. They each have their own mesh backpack. We were able to purchase 12 Discovery Packs from Demco. Daycare providers can check out the packs for a month at a time.

“Welcome Baby” Bags

• A “Welcome Baby” Bag consists of a board book, a puppet especially designed for babies, a sample copy of Babybug magazine, and a letter from our library encouraging reading at an early age. The bags will be given to families with new babies in our community as an outreach of our library.

Monthly Meetings

• handle the feelings associated with the tragedy in New York and Washington. Attendance was sparse, but the discussion was great!

• The current events in our nation allowed for the first topic for our monthly meetings. In October, counselors from our local mental health clinic led a discussion on how to

In November, we were treated to a performance by storyteller, John Walsh, from Bloomington, IL. His stories were engaging and entertaining. Mr. Walsh’s rendition of “Rindercella” was hilarious!

Permanently mounted signs were purchased to help inform people of upcoming events and to guide patrons to our meeting room.

Funding for this project was provided by a grant awarded to Lincoln Trail Libraries System by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using federal LSTA funding.

Our Special Thanks to:

• The Grant Project Team

• Bethany Bolduc• Benjamin Klett• Jan Klett• Justin Klett• Peggy Price• Dori Stenger

• The library board, the daycare providers and library patrons who encouraged and cheered us on! Thank you!

of our report, but the beginning of many big things at Tuscola Public Library!