Jodie Williams
The Educational Consultants Consortium Inc. (ECCI), a nonprot
whose mission is to improve educational opportunities for atrisk
children in Manatee County, proposed the children’s library
project in the form of a MLK Day of Service grant request and won
a $10,000 award. ECCI also received $3,500 from the Manatee
County Library Foundation.
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) was an
additional partner through its own MLK Day of Service grant
award of $10,000. The ELC also provided over 1,000 books for
the new library.
The MLK Day of Service grants were sponsored by Florida House
Representative Darryl Rouson of District 70, which encompasses
a narrow portion of Manatee County. To receive the grant, the
event or project had to fall within the boundaries of District 70.
A tour of the children’s library on opening day revealed an inviting
atmosphere with attractively decorated reading rooms designed
for different age levels. Stafng the library will be well-qualied
educators and volunteers, including Evelyn James, a fourth
grader at Gullett Elementary.
Evelyn was the youngest presenter at the grand opening, and
she thrilled the audience when she stated that she plans to be
a “book buddy mentor” to other children. She added: “I am so
grateful that this new library will inspire other readers like myself
to love learning.”
Dr. Diana Greene
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