|
About the
VLP
The Village Learning
Place began as a grass roots effort to save Branch #6 in the Enoch Pratt
Free Library System.
During the past five
years, the Village Learning Place library has served as an information and
resource center for the community. It also provides a safe haven for youth
after-school and during the summer.
As such, our mission
is to promote
literacy, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning through free access for
all ages to information, resources, and educational programs. We strive to
provide services that help people achieve their personal potential and
strengthen them intellectually, socially, economically, and culturally.
How Our Organization Works
A Board of
Directors that meets bimonthly actively oversees the operations
including fund development, financial governance, program development and
personnel and facilities management. Board members are selected by a
nominating committee and are representative of businesses, educational
institutions, and area residents.
 The
Executive Committee of the Board,
composed of the
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committee Chairpersons,
oversees the administration of current projects. In addition, it sets the
monthly agenda, approves expenditures and fundraising activities, and
develops long-range goals and plans. There are currently five Standing
Committees that are working to carry out plans for the organization.
These include Nominating, Finance, Library and Programs, Space Planning, and
Fund Development.
Some of the organization’s accomplishments
include:
-
The VLP has a 15-year lease with an annual rent of $1 signed by the Mayor
and City Council of Baltimore.
-
An estimated 14,500
volunteer hours have been given to support the Mission of the VLP.
-
We have grown from 600
library cardholders in our first year to over 4,500.
-
The VLP library is open
to the public 50 hours each week including 2 evenings and weekends (more
than most public libraries in the Baltimore metro area).
-
The VLP serves as a
safe, educationally enriching, after-school space for children. Last
year, a total of 2,258 Baltimore City students were served by the library
and the free educational programs offered by the Village Learning Place.
-
The State of Maryland
designated the VLP as a State Aided Educational Institution, making it
eligible for annual Maryland Department of Education grants up to 50% of
VLP operating expenses.
|
