Library Will Benefit Children of Low Income Families Living In Greenwich

 Children of Greenwich's low-income families now have a new place where they can develop a love of reading.

On Friday, March 31, Family Centers opened the doors to a new Books for Kids children's library at its Head Start Preschools' First Steps program.  Designed by the Books for Kids Foundation, the library features a collection of children's books, reading nooks and a storytelling corner to help children enrolled in the preschool develop early literacy skills.  The library was made possible by a grant provided by the Barakett Foundation.

“It's an honor to work alongside Family Centers and the Barakett Foundation as we open this library,” said Trish Belfatto, executive director of the Books for Kids Foundation.  “Partnering with such great organizations as these allows us to widen our reach and further our literacy goals.”

Operated by Family Centers, the Head Start Preschools offer education programs for three and four year-old children of low-income families residing in Greenwich public and subsidized housing.  Head Start emphasizes parent involvement to encourage and support children's educational and social development.

“The children and staff of the Head Start Preschools are extremely grateful to have this resource,” said Megan Sweeney, director of the Head Start Preschools.  “In addition to being the centerpiece of our reading curriculum, this library is a wonderful way to promote early literacy.”   

The Books for Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to promote literacy among all children, with special emphasis on children in low income areas.  Books for Kids raises money so it can donate books, create children's libraries in underserved locations and participate in reading initiatives with community based organizations.  

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 1000 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.