Library Foundation purchases two more AWE Early Learning Stations for county libraries

The computers ‘contain dozens of educational programs’ for children ages 2 to 10

A young family enjoys a new AWE Early Learning Station at Selby Library. Photo courtesy of Library Foundation for Sarasota County

Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Koski Family Foundation, the Library Foundation for Sarasota County has purchased two additional AWE Early Learning Stations for Sarasota County libraries, the Foundation reported this week.

“These popular special computers contain dozens of educational computer programs suitable for children ages 2-10, helping them explore colors, letters, numbers and so much more while becoming familiar with the technology they’ll use once they start school,” a news release explains.

“AWE stations build digital literacy skills for our youngest library users,” said Renee Di Pilato, director of the county’s Libraries and Historical Resources Department, in the release. “This trusted digital platform provides a fun way for children to build vocabulary, establish reading skills, and learn how to navigate the digital universe,” she added in the release. “Thank you to the Koski Family Foundation for supporting this initiative with such a generous donation.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than $8 million in private funds since its founding in 2011, all for the benefit of Sarasota County’s public libraries, the release points out.

“We’re grateful for this generous gift from the Koski Family Foundation and thank them for their continued commitment to our libraries and to our young families,” said Alisa Mitchell, the Library Foundation’s executive director, in the release.

Anyone who would like to learn more about how donations to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County can support early learning may contact Mitchell at alisa.mitchell@sarasotalibraryfoundation.org.