The Mother Goose Endowment for Literacy and Advancement at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will soon benefit from the generosity of the community’s youngest citizens.
The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library is placing donation receptacles at childcare facilities county-wide to allow children to contribute toward the fund established in honor of Edwina Williams. Generations of Columbus children have grown up with Williams in the Mother Goose persona she has embraced, whether conducting story time at the library or volunteering in the community.
“We’re excited to announce this latest endeavor to increase giving for the endowment,” said Katherine Munson, on behalf of the Friends. “What used to be large water cooler jugs have been repurposed to allow the children of Columbus to help save money for it. Children are encouraged to put in their ‘two cents’ whenever they want!”
Donation receptacles will be available August through December. The daycare facility collecting the largest donation receives a special Friends of the Library event.
Feeney artwork
Parents and other endowment supporters can boost the fundraising effort by purchasing prints of original artwork created by Mississippi University for Women Professor Emeritus Larry Feeney.
“This print depicts Mother Goose with a gaggle of amused children,” said Munson. Prints are $10 and may also be purchased at donation locations or at the front desk of the library at 314 Seventh St. N., or at The Grapevine at 1621 Gardner Blvd. in Columbus. Proceeds from print sales will be evenly divided between the Mother Goose Endowment and the Larry Feeney Endowment at the MUW Department of Art and Design.
The Mother Goose Endowment goal is to enhance children’s programs in the Columbus-Lowndes Library System by enlarging collections of children’s book award-winners, increasing resources in the Early Childhood Resource Center and Autism Resource Center, and adding workshops and resources to promote literacy. Donations may be mailed to Friends of the Library, 1835 Highway 45 N., Box 201, Columbus, MS 39705.
At MUW, the Larry Feeney Endowment will support visiting artists and workshops, expansion of the university’s permanent art collection and enhancement of art students’ experiences. Gifts designated to the Feeney Endowment may be mailed to the MUW Foundation, 1100 College St., MUW 1618, Columbus, MS 39701.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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