Plainfield Library Receives Rotary Early Childhood Grant

Plainfield, IL — The Plainfield Public Library District has received an Early Childhood Grant from Rotary International. This gift wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of the local Rotary Club of Plainfield, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the Library.

“We are so pleased to have received this grant,” said Lisa Pappas, the director of the Plainfield Public Library District. “We’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Rotary Club of Plainfield, and we truly appreciate how they’ve supported us over the years.”

The $500 grant will be used by the Library’s Youth Services Department to purchase vibrant and engaging backdrops for the Library’s preschool programs, a musical concert and more VOX Books for the Library’s Read Along Collection.

“VOX Books are printed books that have an audio reader attached to the front cover. They enable children to listen to an audio recording directly from a book,” said Head of Youth Services Veronica De Fazio. “No computer, phone or tablet app is required. Kids really enjoy them, and parents love the convenience.”

The Read Along Collection was originally created in honor of Library Trustee Emerita Sharon Kinley, who served on the Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2019.

“Rotary has always had a special connection with the Plainfield Library. Applying for this grant on the Library’s behalf was a no-brainer for us,” said Plainfield Rotary President Linda Brauer. “We are always looking for ways to do good in the Plainfield community, and encouraging literacy is so very important.”