United Way Director, Nancy McLean (r),
presents a check to Sidney Library Children's Librarian,
Linda Shea, in support of the Booster Books pre-school literacy program.

SIDNEY As part of their focus on literacy and education, the Sidney United Way is once again helping to support the Booster Books pre-school literacy program administered through the Sidney Memorial Public Library. Children in the Sidney School District, ages three and four, are eligible to receive a free book every other month throughout the school year, beginning in October. The excitement of receiving their own book in the mail helps children develop a love for books and reading and gives them an extra boost toward being prepared for school

In addition to the bi-monthly book, each child receives the library's monthly calendar of events, along with a newsletter for parents containing tips, suggested crafts, apps and other resources to help ready the child for school. The newsletter is produced by the Literacy Boosters, a committee comprised of pre-school and elementary teachers, former teachers and Sidney Library personnel.

To register your child for the Booster Books program, call the Sidney Memorial Public Library at 563-1200, stop in at 8 River St. in Sidney, visit sidneylibrary.org or pick up a form from your child's pre-school. In order to remain in the program, you must fill out a new registration form each year that your child is eligible.

You can help support programs such as Booster Books by making a donation to Sidney United Way at PO Box 14, Sidney, N.Y., 13838. All donations will go to local agencies which support the United Way's focus areas including: quality of life, youth development, literacy/education, disaster preparedness, emergency services and hunger