Library Getting Ready for Next Session of RISE After School Program

The Effingham Public Library will host an Open House for parents and students interested in the RISE After-School Program. The Open House will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 in the Teen Section, located on the second floor of the library.

The upcoming After-School Program will begin Monday, Jan. 7 and run through Wednesday, April 17. The program currently serves 15 students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but will expand to include 15 additional spots on Mondays and Wednesdays that will be open to 5th and 6th grade students.

“Our pilot After-School Program has proven to be a success, so we will be expanding the upcoming program to include more students and additional days,” said Programming Outreach Manager Catherine Bailey.

The RISE program includes four main initiatives, which are to Read, Innovate, Serve and Engage. The initiatives are accomplished by providing students with the space needed to do homework, to participate in enrichment programs and to serve the community through service projects.

“The program provides much more than just a place for students to go after school. It provides programs that benefit the students, whether it is learning a life skill like cooking or participating in a service project where they create materials for an upcoming library program,” said Bailey.

Past programs have encompassed a variety of themes like cooking, gardening, farming, robotics and gaming. Each program day also includes a snack and an optional art or craft.

As part of the program expansion, the Library will be hiring a coordinator for the RISE program. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to Library Director Amanda McKay atamanda@effinghamlibrary.org.  Additional information regarding the position may be found at http://www.effinghamlibrary.org/job-openings/.

The Library is working with Effingham Unit 40 to secure transportation for students enrolled at Effingham Central School, Effingham Junior High and Sacred Heart School. Students attending other schools in the county may be dropped off at the program or may walk from their school, if the school is within a reasonable distance from the library.

There is no cost to attend the After-School Program, but each child must be registered by a parent. Spaces are limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The library can be contacted at 217-342-2464 x1, email info@effinghamlibrary.org or go online at www.effinghamlibrary.org