(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patty Roberts for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea District Library was recently awarded two grants in support of its 2015 Authors in Chelsea program.
Next year’s program will expand once again to include over 1,000 children in grades 1-6, up from 850 this year. The addition of third grade students to the program is a result of these grants.
The Chelsea Education Foundation awarded the library $1,000 to help pay for books by the visiting authors for school classrooms and media centers, and the Friends of Chelsea District Library awarded the Library $2,500 to assist in paying authors’ appearance fees.
“We are thrilled to have the continued support of the Chelsea Education Foundation and the Friends of the Chelsea District Library for our sixth annual Authors in Chelsea Program,” said Karen Persello, head of Youth and Teen Services at the library.
“These grants are vital for the success of this popular program that the children and teachers look forward to year after year. The line-up this year is particularly special as it includes celebrated Michigan authors Nancy Shaw, Johnathan Rand and Gary D. Schmidt. It is due to these organizations’ generosity that Chelsea schoolchildren will be offered the unique opportunity to attend writing workshops held by each author,” she said.
Authors in Chelsea brings nationally known authors and illustrators to Chelsea Schools, providing children close contact with award-winning authors and illustrators to explore the art and craft of writing and illustrating, and encourages students to read and appreciate literature.
Authors in Chelsea takes place each year in March.
The Chelsea Education Foundation provides funding for a wide spectrum of educational activities to benefit the residents of Chelsea, Michigan. A non-profit, tax-exempt organization, Friends and supporters organized CEF in 1990 to provide a link between school, business, and community to help strengthen Chelsea’s future.
The mission of the Friends of Chelsea District Library is to provide financial assistance for special Library programs, and to supplement materials and equipment; to increase the visibility of the Library in the community; provide volunteer aid to the Library; and to recognize Library staff annually.
