Aurora Public Library receives Target Corp. grant for Books, Bubbles & Science Magic program
AURORA, IL –Aurora Public Library announced today that its Books, Bubbles & Science Magic program has been awarded a $2,000 Early Literacy Grant from Target Corporation.
Library Director Eva Luckinbill said the grant will fund a program that is being hosted by the library and its neighbor, SciTech Hands On Museum. “We are always thrilled when a corporation like Target, which is so popular in our community, recognizes our mission to support lifelong learning,” Luckinbill said.
“This grant allows us to introduce some of our young patrons to bubble science with interactive presentations, book giveaways and a take-home activity,” said Youth Services Coordinator Diane Christian.
The program, designed for families with children ages 3 to 12, is set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora. The program and museum admission are free. Registration is required. Call 630-264-4123 or go to aurorapubliclibrary.org (Events).
The grant is part of Target's ongoing efforts to build strong, safe and healthy communities across the country. These efforts include Target's long history of giving 5 percent of its profit to communities, which today equals more than $4 million every week. As part of this commitment, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.
“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” said Laysha Ward, president of Community Relations for Target. “That's why we are proud to partner with Aurora Public Library as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.”
In addition to the grant received by Aurora Public Library, Target also gives through signature programs such as:
• Take Charge of Education, a school fundraising initiative that provides undesignated funds to local schools for whatever they need most, from books and school supplies to classroom technology.
• Arts Accessibility, free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events nationwide.
• Target School Library Makeovers, a program that leverages Target's world-class design expertise to transform school libraries across the country with new construction, furniture, and technology, as well as 2,000 new books.
• Education Grants and Awards, including Books for Schools Awards, Target Field Trip Grants and Early Childhood Reading Grants, that provide schools, libraries, teachers and nonprofit organizations the resources they need to bring learning to life and put more kids on the path to graduation.
About Aurora Public Library
Aurora Public Library has four locations and a Bookmobile: The Main Library in downtown Aurora, Eola Road Branch, West Branch and Express Center. The Main Library, built with a $50,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, opened its doors in 1904. A new Main Library building is under construction at River and Benton streets in Aurora.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,856 stores across the United States and Canada, and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.
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