LAKEWOOD — Lakewood Library’s new literacy partners program is working to help families who are struggling with the challenges of remote learning.

Beginning Oct. 1, the library is extending its evening hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Previously, it was only open until 7 pm two nights a week. It will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

“The literacy partners program also offers online and phone support for families who have questions or are encountering problems helping their students to succeed,” said Amy Anderson, chair of the library board’s COVID-Education Committee and a teacher at Jamestown’s Bush Elementary School.

The program will support families in the Southwestern Central School District as they work with their children during “at home” days by providing teaching tips, answering general questions and suggesting resources. It also seeks to begin online parent meetings, promote tutoring at the library and create an environment that makes the Lakewood Library the “go-to” place for families when children are required to learn at home.

To fully implement the community-wide program, new technology in the form of tablets will be necessary, as well as additional literacy learning materials.

The extended hours, more tablets, and new learning materials will all require additional funding. To that end, the library is planning to hold a special fundraising event at the end of October. The Autumn Auction will be an all-online silent auction featuring dozens of items, services, and experiences donated by local individuals and businesses. Anyone can access the auction site through the library’s home page, and bid any time day or night, from Oct. 28 through midnight Nov. 1, which happens to be National Family Literacy Day.

“We’re very grateful to Shannon Taylor, the library director, for finding a way to extend the library’s hours so quickly,” said Mary McCague, board president. “And we’re excited about all the other opportunities the Literacy Partners Program will open up for area school students.”

More information about the program can be found at lakewoodlibrary.org, and on the SWCSD Elementary Parents page and PTO page, or email director@lakewoodlibrary.org.