Houston Public Library Foundation to receive $24,500 grant to help fund its literacy programs | ABC13 Houston

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By ABC13

Friday, February 10, 2012

HOUSTON

The non-profit organization will be receiving a $24,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation during a ceremony on Monday morning at HISD's Oates Elementary School. The money will be used to support the foundation's programs that promote literacy for Houstonians of all ages.

"The City of Houston is experiencing critical budget challenges due to the ongoing uncertainty in the economy, and, as a result, the budgets in city departments, including the Houston Public Library, have been cut by 12.5 percent," said Susan Bischoff, President, Houston Public Library Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful for Verizon Foundation's support, which will ensure that more of the Library's free programs can continue."

The Houston Public Library Foundation helps advocate and fundraise for the Houston Public Library. The library's programming includes:

Support for Student Success -- provides students of all ages and life stages with access to resources, services and programs that assist them with homework assignments and help them prepare for and succeed in school.

Literacy Advancement -- provides customers with the support they need to initiate and develop their reading skills, financial and health literacy skills to meet their personal goals and make decisions that affect their lives.

Technology Access & Instruction -- provides customers with access to computers and the resources available through the Internet. Customers also receive access to free training classes on a wide range of technology, software, and related topics.

Workforce Development -- provides customers with access to education, training and resources dedicated to providing them with the skills and knowledge to acquire employment and succeed in the workplace.

"We believe literacy is a priority in creating a community and a culture that can continue to build its future," said Krista Bourne, president - Houston/Gulf Coast Region, Verizon Wireless. "We 're proud to partner with the Houston Public Library Foundation to ensure that local families have access to not just books, but to technology, literacy programming and more through HPL Mobile Express."