For years, the staff at the Illinois Center for Autism dreamed of having a library. On Wednesday, that dream became a reality, as the center in Fairview Heights dedicated its new 1,400-volume library.
“This has all been donated through customers at the Borders located here in Fairview, Waldenbooks (in Fairview Heights and Alton), the Borders in Alton and the Borders in Edwardsville,” said Linda Davis, the center’s director of communications and fund-raising. “They did a book drive for us last August. Their staff approached people as they were checking out and asked them if they wanted to purchase books for the Illinois Center for Autism. Through all of the customers’ efforts and the staff at Borders we have about $8,000 worth of brand-new books for our kids.
“We had nothing before. This literally was a dream that our assistant principal had. Borders approached us about the possibility of doing a book drive and bam, it’s a reality.”The library not only has books and materials for the center’s children, it also contains reference material that parents and staff members can check out.
The library also contains a collection of educational DVDs.
“We really wanted to do some community project for literacy with a not-for-profit organization,” said Kelly Mumm of Borders. “The Illinois Center for Autism was one of the first things that came into our heads. It’s very near and dear to us because a lot of the associates that work at the store have brothers or sisters, friends or friends of friends who actually attend here. We know this is really good for the community. This allowed us to contribute in some way.
“It’s important to note that the community was the one that really did the giving. The booksellers are the ones that really pushed the program. It’s incredible. It really exceeded our expectations. This is the first time that we’ve ever done a book drive. We were amazed at how well it was received. It’s really reflective of our community, how well they donated. The fact that they could open a new library out of this is very gratifying.”
In addition to the bookstores, the Friends of the Swansea Library, contributed $850 to the library project.
On hand for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the library were students at the center, adult clients, center staff, members of the Fairview Heights Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Borders.
The center, which has served autistic children and adults for over 30 years, currently helps 146 children and 22 adults through a variety of programs.
The Illinois Center for Autism operates four different programs. They include a school program for clients ages 3 to 21, a client and family support program that functions like a social work department, a transitional services program and the Pasta Fare Restaurant.
“The transitional services program works with children ages 14 through 21 in the school program,” said Mia Stroter, the center’s director of vocational services. “At that point, we start instituting appropriate work behavior, job readiness skills and everything that goes
Retrieved from the Collinsville Hearld
Hello,
Remember me? 1988-1994? I am now living in Central Virginia and working as a resource teacher in an elementary school. Oh, the ups and downs of this life! So glad to read of this library!
Congratulations! Hello to anyone who remembers me!
(I remember taking classes across the street to walk the paths and fly kites- Oops, look out for the pond!-and now, there is a library!)