Blair, NE - Service Learning at Dana College is pleased to announce a collaborative project with the Blair Public Library. The Blair Public Library Board has approved the development of a Toy Library and Educational Resource Room through a partnership with Dana College. The Blair Public Library will serve as the primary site and manager for both of these programs while the Dana Education Department and the Psychology Department will provide resources to assist with the program development and staffing. Anticipated start date of this program is September 2008.

The Toy Library will provide all library cardholders with quality educational toys and learning activities that focus on children newborn through age five, while also providing families and caregivers information on child growth and developmental stages. It is hoped that the Toy Library will appeal to a wide range of residents such as in-home child care givers that may want to supplement their equipment, families that may not have the resources available to purchase these items, grandparents that have grandchildren visiting and families that may just want to try a new toy before making a purchase. The Educational Resource Room will provide the materials and equipment to families that would like to provide additional learning opportunities to their children; this would include families that educate their children at home as well as families that seek supplemental learning and tutorial materials for their children Anticipated items include magnet sets, maps, flashcards, etc.

These programs are being developed with the support and guidance from the Washington County Extension office, Blair Community Schools Early Childhood and the Building Blocks Boutique.

The kick-off event will be a Toy Drive this summer with a registry of toys desired by the Toy Library and Educational Resource Room. Due to limited space, liability and a desire to provide quality educational items, the Toy Drive will list specific items desired and will ask for new items or very gently used items that can provide original packaging or manufacturer information.

Residents and businesses that wish to donate items may visit the Blair Public Library or its Web site after June 1, 2008, for a registry listing of desired items and where they may be purchased. The Toy Drive will culminate with a Christmas in July Toy Drive and Party that will be hosted by the Blair Public Library and Dana College.

If you would like more information about these programs or the Toy Drive, please contact Service Learning at Dana College at servicelearning@dana.edu or the Blair Public Library Youth Services at (402) 426-3617.