Friends of the Durham Library Award Annual Programming Grants to Durham County Library
Durham, NC — The Friends of the Durham Library (FODL) and Durham County Library are proud to announce the Friends’ awarding of $15,000 in grant funds to support library programs. The projects listed below received funding after a competitive application process by library staff:
Digital Literacy Initiative: This grant will work to bridge the digital divide by purchasing the equipment necessary to teach vital technology skills.
Sensory Explorers: By using tactile stations, interactive displays, and sensory storytimes, this project will immerse young readers in a world of textures, sounds, and narratives.
Maker + STEAM Kits: These STEAM + Maker kits will make cutting-edge technology available for circulation, with different kits available for children, teens, and adults.
Music and Art Adventure Camp: By partnering with North Carolina Central University graduate students, this summer camp will engage young learners with hands-on music and art activities.
Staff Activities Project: Through the purchase of meals and tickets to a Durham Bulls game, this project will boost staff morale and promote positive feelings about the library as a workplace.
You Can Do Hair Too!: This program will work with local Durham hair stylists to teach dads and other caregivers how to style their children’s hair.
In addition to these grants, FODL also purchased over 2,000 personal hygiene items as a donation to North Regional Library’s Comfort Closet. This project aims to provide life’s essentials like socks, toothpaste, deodorant, and more for free to those most in need in the Durham community.
“I’m so proud of the partnership we have with the Friends,” said Tammy Baggett-Best, the Director of Durham County Library. “These grant funds will empower staff to express their creativity and serve the residents of Durham in innovative ways.”
Jennifer Lohmann, President of the Friends of the Durham Library, had this to say about the annual programming grants: “One of the best parts of being part of the Friends of the Durham Library is turning book donations from the community into library programs and staff scholarships. It’s a great way to help the entire Durham community grow and support each other.”
These projects will take place throughout the 2024 calendar year, and they represent just one way the Friends of the Durham Library support Durham’s library system.
About the Friends of the Durham Library
The Friends of the Durham Library is a nonprofit organization that helps fund programs, services, and materials at Durham County Library. You can help by becoming a member, attending a book sale at Books Among Friends or a pop-up sale at a library location, and donating gently used books.
About Durham County Library
Durham County Library encourages discovery, connects the community, and leads in literacy. As a department of Durham County Government, the library furthers Goal 1 of the county’s Strategic Plan by enhancing cultural, educational, and creative opportunities. For more information about the library, visit DurhamCountyLibrary.org