Lisa L. Ludwig, Library Director
The Colfax Public Library recently was awarded a $1,000 Dunn
Energy grant through Operation Round Up.
Lisa Ludwig, Library Director, applied for the grant in order to
purchase an iPad, apps (computer application) and educational games to help
children with special needs. Ludwig
especially wanted to help local families of children with autism spectrum. After speaking with the coordinator of a
parent’s group through the local school district, Ludwig realized that many
families do not have access to new technologies that can help their children
learn language and communication skills, along with social or behavioral
skills.
Since the Colfax Public Library began offering eBook classes
this year, the desire of library patrons to learn about eReaders, eBooks and
how to use iPads has been phenomenal said Ludwig. One year ago, Ludwig made a
promise to her Library Board that she was committed to helping her local
community learn new technologies and to embrace it, rather than be fearful of
e-content. By receiving the Dunn Energy
grant, Ludwig can now proceed with helping special needs families to improve
their child’s learning skills. Since the
development of devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad, children with autism
now have access to alternative communication apps, which can give families a
new learning tool. These tools can
dramatically change a child’s life!
“Personally, Ludwig indicated, I find this very exciting, and this is
what sparked my interest in applying for a grant to help children with special
needs.
The iPad should be ready for check-out in September or
October. For more information about the
iPad and the checkout guidelines, please call (715-962-4334) the Colfax Public
Library during open hours or visit their webpage (
www.colfaxpubliclibrary.org).
