El Centro, CA., February 10, 2025:
The City of El Centro Library was awarded a $15,709 grant from the California State Library to support its participation in the Lunch at the Library program. This funding will enhance the library’s ability to provide free summer meals, educational programs, and community connections for local families.
Lunch at the Library is a statewide initiative designed to ensure children and teens have access to nutritious meals, books, and enriching activities during the summer months. Through this program, the El Centro Library will:
- Provide free summer meals and programming at the library.
- Offer pop-up libraries at community-based meal sites such as parks and schools.
- Distribute free books to help children build their home libraries.
- Host summer reading and learning programs for children and teens, as well as health and wellness
programs for families. - Create volunteer opportunities for teens.
- Strengthen partnerships between the public library, local school districts, and community
organizations. - Connect families with valuable community services and resources.
“This grant allows us to extend critical services to our community, ensuring that children and families have access to healthy meals, books, and enriching activities during the summer,” said El Centro Library Director Carla Mason. “We are thrilled to participate in this initiative and look forward to making a meaningful impact.”
This initiative aligns with the library’s commitment to fostering literacy, learning, and well-being in the community. By expanding access to meals, books, and educational programs, the El Centro Library continues to serve as a vital resource for residents during the summer months.
“Programs like Lunch at the Library reinforce the fact that the library not only plays an important role in creativity and learning in our community but also in health and well-being for our residents,” said El Centro Mayor Tomás Oliva. “We are grateful to see this funding granted to us to help our residents thrive.”
For more information about the Lunch at the Library program, please contact the El Centro Library at (760) 337-4565 or visit the library at 1198 N. Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243.
