• By Don Dwiggins
• Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Library Receives Great Expectations Grant for New Central Library Children's Area

The Forsyth County Public Library has received a grant for $96,930 from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust as part of their Great Expectations initiative. The Great Expectations initiative seeks to ensure that children in Forsyth County reach developmentally-appropriate milestones in the first five years of life and enter kindergarten ready to learn, and enter elementary school set for success in school and life.

Almost half of all children in Forsyth County enter kindergarten each year at risk of falling behind their peers in reading. Studies conclude that 36% of our children, age birth to four years live below the poverty line making it difficult for them to succeed academically.

The grant will be used to purchase books, technology and other learning aids and resources to increase the preparedness and foundation of children from birth to five years to enter kindergarten ready for success in school and beyond.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest trusts in North Carolina. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and quality of health for the financially needy of North Carolina. The Health Care Division promotes wellness state-wide by investing in prevention and treatment. The Poor and Needy Division of the Trust responds to basic life needs and invests in solutions that improve the quality of life and health for financially needy residents of Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as sole trustee.