Published Date: December 10, 2001
The popularity of Harry Potter books may be encouraging kids to read right now, but good library services for children are more likely to have a lasting effect. That's why a recent gift from the Charles H. Dater Foundation to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is especially welcome.
The grant of $580,000 will enable the library to enhance children's services at the Westwood Branch Library, which is undergoing a $1.8 million expansion and renovation. "This generous gift will help us have a greatly expanded children's area," said Kimber L. Fender, library executive director. Mr. Dater, who was a Western Hills resident, died in 1993 at age 81. The Foundation was established in 1985 to support various cultural and educational programs. The expansion project will add about 2,000 square feet of floor space to the branch, which currenly has 3,780 square feet. Its colection is expected to grow by about 37 percent, also. Work should be completed next spring. The Westwood Branch Library is at 3345 Epworth Ave., in the Westwood Town Center Historic District. Information: (513) 369-4474; www.cincinnatilibrary.org.