 The Kenosha Public Library (KPL) hosts a variety of opportunities for all ages to get involved in the community at both their Southern, Northern, and Simmons locations. With Kenosha county having over 10 thousand children under 5 years, it’s a great place for children and families to be entertained and learn while they grow. Week of the Young Child recently took place from April 16th through the 20th, and KPL has taken initiative by recognizing the need for early childhood programs. For the ages of 0-5, KPL encourages parents to get ahead with their children in reading before they enter kindergarten. To do this, they have the “Grow a Reader” tree. To participate in this, one can stop into the library and pick up a reading record from any of the locations and record the books one reads with their child. For every 100 books, a parent can stop in, turn in the list of books, and receive their leaf. They set the goal for 1000 books before Kindergarten so students are prepared and ready to attend school early on. From the Southwest library, children can experience a variety of developmental books and toys. Some include puppets, pop-up books, large motor toys, science kits, sensory kits, dramatic play sets, and much more. These items can be checked out and reserved from the library as well. These developmental objects will help kids later on as they’re maturing and growing. Starting young with interactive toys and books fuels creativity and helps strengthen their brain. KPL also hosts early literacy pads and a preschool story time for ages 3 to 5. There’s toddler storytime for 1 to 2 year olds and infant storytime 0 to 12 months. Getting your child accustomed to reading at a young age promotes healthy learning and growth as they go into elementary school. KPL has a variety of Early Childhood programs where children are able to come into the care centers. The early childhood program has a digital petting zoo for the children led by youth services staff and story time with the inclusion of math, science, or the arts. They also have the growing strong leaders initiative where they encourage children to read about 5 books a week in hopes of obtaining the 1000 books before kindergarten goal. Reading 1000 books before kindergarten will help a child in obtaining the knowledge and skills they need as they make their way through early education. How To Get Involved
 Article written by Megan Maurer Communications Intern Carthage College Published in the Kenosha News  Coming to Bradford on April 18th from 3pm until 5pm, the community is hosting a young adult job fair featuring 60 companies, organizations, unions and more looking to talk with future leaders about possible job opportunities. After four years of not hosting this event, last year the Young Adult Job Fair was brought back to the community with one big goal in mind: to help students find job opportunities they didn’t know were there. Last year, the event was hosted in the cafeteria of Indian Trail High School. This year it will take place in the auditorium of Bradford High School, located at 3700 Washington Road in Kenosha. Through multiple sponsors, students between the ages of 16-24 in the community have the opportunity to learn more about apprenticeships, practice interviewing, and possibly find a job or internship opportunity in a field they’re interested in. There will be 8-10 different unions attending the event, some of those including: Painters & Allied Trades Union, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Ironworkers Local 8. This is great for students who are looking into going into work right away rather than attending a 4 year university. It is also beneficial for students in high school as well as colleges in the area looking to gain experience within the field. With over 50 different jobs and even more openings, there’s something for every student walking through the doors. Some highlighted companies and organizations include: Six Flags Great America, Goodwill Talentbridge LLC., Educators Credit Union, Kenosha YMCA, and so many more! Positions range from lifeguards, sales associates, welders, security, and some internship opportunities as well. How to Get Involved
 Article written by Megan Maurer Communications Intern Carthage College Published by the Kenosha News |
