Credit union donates to summer reading program

SANDUSKY — The Sandusky Library recently received a $1,000 donation from Directions Credit Union to support this year's summer reading program, titled Color Our World. Jenni Paramore, the credit union's community outreach education manager, reached out to Sandusky Library to express support for initiatives that promote literacy. "We recognize the importance of keeping children engaged in reading throughout the summer," Paramore said. "We are pleased to provide support to ensure the success of this year's summer reading program." With this year's donation, Sandusky Library aims to increase participation from community members. While the short-term objective of summer reading programs is to help children maintain their reading skills over the summer, the long-term goal is to foster lifelong learning. "We appreciate the efforts of Jenni and her team in helping us work toward our goal of getting the children of Sandusky excited about reading over the summer and combating the summer slide for students," said Morgan Messenheimer, the Sandusky Library's youth services manager. Research indicates that children who grow up in homes with caregivers who read are more likely to become adults who read. To encourage family involvement, Sandusky Library introduced three new reading and activity programs for babies and toddlers, teens and families in addition to their regular children's and adult reading programs: • Beginning earlier this month and spanning through July 31, community members may register at the library for the program that suits them. • Sandusky Library hosted a Color Our World kick-off event earlier this month. • The credit union is also rewarding its young members for participating in their local libraries' summer reading programs. Through the Rewards for Reading initiative, members aged 18 and younger can receive a one-time $5 deposit into their Directions Credit Union savings account upon showing a completed library summer reading chart or book tracker. John Ustaszewski, chief operating officer of the credit union, remarked during the check presentation at Sandusky Library how his team is "pleased to be expanding into Erie County and taking this initial step in our commitment to the community. By supporting initiatives like the summer reading program, we aim to foster and enhance financial wellness across the community. We sincerely hope that this partnership will serve as a foundation for many future endeavors to empower and enrich the lives of Erie County residents." People can learn more about the summer reading program by visiting sanduskylib.org or dropping by the library, 114 W. Adams St., Sandusky. People can learn more about the credit union by visiting directionscu.org.