A collection of new children’s non-fiction books were purchased for the Lycoming County Mobile Library through the generosity of the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation. The Foundation, in its 50th year of service, provides literacy grants that support book purchases used specifically for bookmobile programs that serve disadvantaged children.

The Lycoming County Bookmobile was one of only a dozen organizations awarded a grant for the 2017-18 period. With the assistance of local library supplier Brodart, a collection of children’s non-fiction materials were professionally curated to meet the standards of Pennsylvania’s academic focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

“Information literacy is crucial and yet informational texts can lose relevance quickly,” said Kevin Renehan, county services manager for the James V. Brown Library. “Unlike the timeless status of many fictional children’s books, we have to work harder to keep our non-fiction updated and contemporary.”

The Bookmobile makes stops at multiple private and public elementary schools in Lycoming County, as well as local community centers, nursing homes, day cares, child care facilities, services offering support for people with disabilities, and low-income housing.

“In a county of our size — the largest in the state — mobile libraries support Pennsylvania’s initiative to provide social and civic literacy to our underserved and rural communities. This non-fiction book grant from the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation supports our mission to meet those educational needs,” Renehan said.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation was established in 1967, with the goal of serving children who are socially and economically at risk. Lois Lenski Covey was a Newbery Medal-winning author and illustrator of picture books and children’s literature. By the time of her death in 1974, she had written and illustrated well over 100 books for children of various ages. Her foundation continues her mission to pass on the importance of literacy and give back to the children who encompassed the focus of her renowned career. To learn more, please visit www.loislenskicovey.org

The Lycoming County Bookmobile visits 50 stops throughout Lycoming County, year round. Please visit https://jvbrown.edu/outreach-services/ for more information about monthly schedules.