KALTREIDER-BENFER LIBRARY

Kaltreider-Benfer Library has just opened our expanded and renovated facility at 147 S. Charles street in Red Lion, and is eager to continue to serve the educational needs of our community in an even greater capacity then before.

By giving today, you will ensure that quality early childhood education continues, giving our community over 250 classes and events for children each year with over 7,000 in attendance. It is here that children learn the foundation of reading and education - listening comprehension, sounds in words,vocabulary building, alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, and letter and number recognition - at an age when 90% of their brains are being developed.

Of course, children aren't the only people we serve. During the past year, especially, seniors have flocked to the library to see a familiar face and to check out materials. From talking to them, we know that these visits and materials have provided comfort during lonely times, and have helped them to pursue new hobbies and interests.

Teens are another core group that we serve. During recent months, teens have come into the library to check out materials to help with school assignments, and have enjoyed our expanded online events. We are located just up the street from the Red Lion High School and Middle School, and teens can and do walk to the library after school. We know, from talking to these teens, that many of them are literally locked out of their own houses until a parent or caregiver arrives home from work at night to let them in, and have designed a dedicated teen space in our renovated building to make them feel even more welcomed. Thank YOU for providing educational resources and a safe haven for them!

Finally, your gift provides vital technological access for your community. The Digital Divide - between those that can afford internet access and those that cannot - is still very real. Further, those that cannot afford it are those that need it most - The unemployed and underemployed. In today's job market, you need the internet to locate work. You need the internet to apply for work. And if it's anything other than an entry level position, you need a resume, and a computer to create one on. Not only do we provide these resources, but we teach our community how to use them as well. We've also recently expanded our wireless network so that it has a much greater reach outside of our building, so users can receive their digital needs in our parking lot as well as our neighboring park.

You, our donors, provide early childhood educational opportunities, setting our children up for success in life and in school. You provide teens with a safe and welcoming environment, keeping them off the streets. And you provide digital access, allowing users to find work, schedule health visits, and pursue their educational and intellectual pursuits.

Thank you so much for all you provide!

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York County Community Foundation Stretch Pool