Local children now have a second computer they can use at the local library in downtown Greenville.
The William Alexander Percy Memorial Library this week installed a second interactive computer for the children’s library.
In 2015, the library installed an AWE Learning’s Early Literacy Station computer, which is geared for children ages 2-8, and provides additional support for children’s academics in areas such as math, science and nature, social studies and geography, reading words and phonics, writing and computer skills, referencing (dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.) and music.
Children’s librarian Claire Quittmeyer said the first AWE Learning computer has been great for the younger children, but it wasn’t academically challenging for older youth.
“I applied for a grant from the Mississippi Library Commission through the Library Services and Technology Act. The grant is a non-competitive grant, which aids public libraries and it enabled our purchase of the early literacy station in 2015. This year, we received the $3,000 grant on the day following submission of the application.”
With that grant money, the library purchased and installed a second AWE Learning computer called After School Edge, which is geared for children ages 6-12.
The After School Edge computer offers reinforcement in skills including science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math subjects including algebra and geometry.
“The purpose of these computers is to reinforce the skills the elementary-aged children learn in school,” Quittmeyer said. “Anyone who would like to practice with math, reading science, geography, history, music or art will be able to find games addressing these and other school subjects with these computers.”
These computers are not connected to the Internet, Quittmeyer said, noting the children’s library also has two computers connected to the Internet for children to use for school reports or other homework activities.
“We encourage parents of children ages 12 and under to utilize the materials available in the children’s library,” she said.
The library, 341 Main St., is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; and from 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information about the interactive computers or the children’s library, folks can reach Quittmeyer by email at childrens@washington.lib.ms.us.
About AWE Learning
Founded in the mid-1990s, AWE Learning provides literacy-focused digital learning solutions for early learners to public libraries throughout the United States and Canada.
Their mission, according to their website, is “to inspire an enthusiasm for learning by supporting school readiness and literacy in the community.”
For more information about AWE, visit awelearning.com.
