PRESS RELEASES
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY INVITES AREA STUDENTS TO “BE SUPER THINKERS”
National Library Week Kick-Off For a New Series of Free Programs,
Funded by Verizon Yellow Pages,
Designed To Improve Students' Reading , Writing and Computer Skills
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) is offering a unique series of programs designed to improve students' reading, writing and computer skills. Funded by Verizon Yellow Pages, the "Be a Super Thinker" series will help local students in fourth through eighth grades improve literacy and technology skills, while being entertained and having fun.
“It is especially fitting that we launch the “Be a Super Thinker” series during National Library Week,” said B&ECPL Director Michael C. Mahaney . “Students will learn how to find books that interest them, write book reviews from a number of different angles and topics, create a finished product using the computer and post it online. To make the program fun and engaging, sessions feature interactive games and pizza lunches as well as giveaways and prizes.”
Sessions are being held at the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square , and the brand new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch, 1324 Jefferson Avenue , one Saturday per month through the school year. Each session features a new theme to attract all interests. Spring break workshops, as well as an extended camp version in July and August, will be offered to provide additional learning opportunities. In addition, an online component will be available through the B&ECPL's website, www.buffalolib.org, for those unable to attend sessions at the library locations. All participants are eligible for a monthly prize.
The “Be a Super Thinker” series is made possible through a $35,000 grant from Verizon Yellow Pages. Since 2002, Verizon Yellow Pages has contributed $140,000 to the B&ECPL to fund literacy and technology related programs for students.
“Verizon Yellow Pages has been a true community partner with this Library System,” said Mahaney. “Many of the free, library sponsored training opportunities for the public have been suspended due to recent budget cuts, leaving a serious hole for area residents who request, value and deserve this popular service. Through Verizon's commitment to literacy, we are able to fill a need and make a difference in the lives of local students.”
“Supporting the Library System is a natural fit for Verizon Yellow Pages because we are committed to improving literacy levels in America ,” said Kelly Miller , Buffalo general sales manger. “We have been a part of this community for decades, and we value our relationship with the Yellow Pages users and advertisers. It's great that the library made our online children's literacy program, EnlightenMe.com, a core piece of “Be a SuperThinker.” Enlighten Me.com, SuperThinkers and Peetniks are fun – I get a kick out of solving some of the mysteries, and I use the book recommendations to steer my children toward quality reading.”
“Be a Super Thinker” Schedule (Fall Schedule to be announced)
SATURDAY PROGRAMS
Central Library Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library
April 18 th 11 am - 2 pm April 8 th 11 am - 2 pm
May 6 th 11 am - 2 pm May 13 th 11 am - 2 pm
June 3 rd 11 am - 2 pm June 10 th 11 am - 2 pm
SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS
Central Library Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library
Tuesday, April 18 th 12 - 3 pm Monday, April 17 th 1 - 4 pm
SUMMER MINI CAMPS
Central Library Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library
July 24 th , 25 th & 26 th 10 am - 12 pm July 10 th , 12 th & 14 th 1 - 4 pm
August 21 st , 22 nd & 23 rd 1 - 3 pm August 7 th , 9 th & 11 th 1 - 3 pm
For more information and to register for an upcoming class, please call 858-8900.
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System is dedicated to connecting Erie County 's diverse communities with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.
About Verizon Yellow Pages
Verizon Information Services (VIS), a division of Verizon Communications Corp. (NYSE:VZ), is the nation's most advanced provider of yellow pages and related shopping information. It has $3.5 billion in revenues from products including: Verizon Yellow Pages; Verizon SuperPages.com, the nation's most advanced Internet directory and a leading online shopping resource; and the SuperPages On the Go information directory offered through Verizon Wireless Get It Now services and on other wireless carriers. The company is the largest publisher of Hispanic directories in the U.S. and the first to provide a Hispanic online shopping resource www.superpages.com/espanol
Verizon is a leader in community support, fund donations, volunteer hours and in-kind services in its communities. Through its signature Verizon Reads program and the Verizon Literacy Network, Verizon is leading the fight to increase U.S. literacy levels by creating community and corporate awareness, raising funds, encouraging collaboration among literacy providers and engaging employees in supporting literacy programs. Go to www.enlightenme.com to discover Verizon Yellow Pages' children's online learning tool.