WPCNR LIBRARY LINE. From Libby Hollahan. January 14, 2016:
The White Plains Library Foundation (WPLF) has been awarded a $35,000 grant for 2016 from The Allstate Foundation (TAF) to support educational programs, titled the “Allstate Readiness Series,” on two critical issues facing communities today: teen safe driving and economic empowerment. This grant-supported partnership, which began in 2011, enables the White Plains Public Library to provide educational workshops for teens and adults, in addition to supporting community outreach and public awareness advertising in White Plains.
“The Allstate Readiness Series enables the White Plains Library to help build a stronger, safer community by providing vital information on safe driving practices and financial literacy to thousands of teens and adults,” said Libby Hollahan, WPLF Executive Director. “We are grateful to TAF for its generous ongoing support, and are pleased that local Allstate agents have volunteered their time to work with us at community outreach event throughout the year.”
“As a national leader in promoting teen safe driving as well as economic empowerment, The Allstate Foundation develops partnerships with non-profit organizations such as public libraries to bring these initiatives to local communities,” said Kayla Taylor, New York Allstate Foundation Spokesperson. “We are proud to continue our partnership with White Plains Public Library to provide educational programs for teen and adult audiences on subjects that impact their safety and well-being.”
“The Allstate Readiness Series is funding innovative workshops in our teen library, The Edge, that teach teens to become responsible drivers, while also helping them learn digital media skills. Teens are creating video games and public service announcement videos, learning coding and designing websites, all centered the theme of safe driving,” said Library Director Brian Kenney. “Allstate support is also enabling us to provide financial literacy and career development workshops that have benefited many adults and teens in our community.”
The teen safe driving component of the Allstate Readiness Series also includes programs for parents and teens led by safe driving educators and speakers who have been personally affected by accidents involving distracted drivers. In addition, the Library distributes safe driving information to thousands of teens and adults at events such as the annual Loucks Games at White Plains High School and White Plains Department of Public Safety’s National Night. Through the grant, the Library also delivers a public awareness ad campaign, this year on the theme of “#gettheresafe,” focused on safe driving behaviors, with billboard ads in prominent locations such as the City Center Cinema Delux movie theater lobby.
The White Plains Library Foundation, a non-profit organization, was incorporated in 1995 to raise funds to help meet the long-range goals of the White Plains Public Library. The Foundation’s work supports a wide range of programs and initiatives that promote literacy, educational achievement, career development, and lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.whiteplainslibrary.org.e Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people’s lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.
