Home » News » Press Releases » 2005 » Friends of the PPLS Receives Literacy Grant

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2005 Contact: Julie Underwood Development Coordinator Plano Public Library System Phone: (972) 208-8338 FRIENDS OF THE PLANO PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES $4,062 LITERACY GRANT FROM VERIZON FOUNDATION Friends of the Plano Public Library was the recent recipient of a $4,062 grant provided through Verizon Foundation for Plano Public Library System’s (PPLS) Literacy for Life (LFL) program. The check was presented to Friends of the Plano Public Library by David Russell, vice president of external affairs of Verizon Foundation, on November 30 at Harrington Library. Eight public libraries across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will share $100,000 in grants from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, to fund library programs in literacy. Plano’s Literacy for Life program will use the awarded grant funds for tutor training supplies, tutor training manuals and student workbooks. To attract more tutors, the $20 materials fee will be waived and all materials will be offered at no charge through fiscal year 2006. “ Residents in Plano will have an easier time building literacy skills and self-esteem through the PPLS’ Literacy for Life program, thanks to Verizon,” stated Literacy Coordinator Suzy Cass. “We are pleased that this partnership between Verizon and Plano Public Library System will facilitate the critical need of matching trained tutors with students. It’s part of our continuing efforts to help adults become productive members of the community through increased literacy skills.” PPLS’ Literacy of Life program began in 1991 and serves adults in Collin County by providing free, confidential tutoring in reading and writing. The program serves adults who function below a fifth grade reading level. For more information, contact Suzy Cass, PPLS Literacy Coordinator, at (972) 941-7175.