Porter Library expands literacy initiative

Some of the many children who have completed the Westlake Porter Public Library Myrna Chelko Literacy Initiative gathered in the Youth Services Department to celebrate their success. Back row, left to right: Shirinika C., Maria K., Kathryn R.,  Amelia E., Benjamin A. Front row, left to right: Barrett H., Nathan D., Erin M., Lucas A.

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Westlake Porter Public Library has expanded its Myrna Chelko Literacy Initiative to include children in Kindergarten through Grade 4. In addition, the program has been split into two, Little Sprouts for children from birth through age 4 and Reading is Elementary for children from Kindergarten through Grade 4. The Initiative began in January 2021 as the Myrna Chelko Early Literacy Initiative, aimed at ages birth through 4. Little Sprouts was previously run under that name.

Both Little Sprouts and Reading is Elementary have five steps, and parents can track their child’s progress on the library’s Beanstack site (westlakelibrary.beanstack.org) or at the Youth Services Desk at the library. The steps include reading, fun activities, program attendance and more.

Participating in this initiative will help build habits that foster literacy development and lifelong learning. In addition, all who complete Little Sprouts receive a stuffed mini Suma the Puma and children who complete Reading Is Elementary will receive a stuffed mini Zara the Giraffe or a backpack.

The Myrna Chelko Literacy Initiative is named for the long-time, dedicated library volunteer who helped found the Friends of Porter Library and the Westlake Porter Library Foundation, served on the Library’s board of trustees, and gave her time to the library in many other capacities. It is funded by a generous donation in her honor.

For more information about the Myrna Chelko Literacy Initiative, including the steps, please visit westlakelibrary.org/literacy-initiatives or call 440-871-2600.