NORFOLK - Norfolk Public Library has received a grant to be one of just six early childhood resource centers to provide support to families in Massachusetts.

The three-year, $30,000 Childhood Resource Center grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care will be used to establish a collection of early childhood resources, including curriculum, parent support, children's books, theme kits and teacher resource materials.

The library also will provide a variety of child/family events and activities, as well as parent and teacher workshops.

Grant 'perfect fit'

The grant also provides funding for an outreach librarian to promote the resources and activities of the resource center to area early childhood providers. "In the 16 years that I have worked at the Norfolk Public Library, the trustees and staff have made a concerted effort to focus on supporting the school curricula from the elementary grades through high school," Library Director Robin Glasser said.

"This grant is a perfect fit for the library's long-established mission as an educational support center. Now we have an opportunity to extend our resources to a younger population."