By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Atmore Public Library held an Open House Thursday afternoon for middle school age students to come use the new computers and software programs purchased especially for their age group.
"It went well," library director Cathy McKinley said. "The kids that attended loved the software."
The library was recently awarded a $8,200 grant. The money is a part of a 2008 "Strengthening Youth and Family" grant and the Friends of the Library provided the 25 percent local match.
The grant initiated the second phase of the library's literacy program. The first phase started in 2004 when the library purchased computers and software to help prepare high school students for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. The second phase consists of six computers and reading and math software.
The software the library bought is designed to help middle school students with reading and math skills.
McKinley said the goal of the library is to help students when they are not in school.
"Our main goal is to make available to these students additional help outside the classroom," she said.
All middle school students are welcome to use the software anytime the library is open, McKinley said. However, they will have first priority from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.
In 2009 the library will begin the final phase of the literacy program. The efforts of the third phase will be focused on elementary students.
McKinley said she appreciates Atmore residents for supporting the Atmore Public Library throughout the years.
"When we have visitors from Mobile and Pensacola and other areas, they are always very impressed with our library," she said. "We would like to thank you for your support all these years and we ask that you continue supporting your library."