Dixie Construction Company Contributes $25,000 to Harford County Public Library Early Literacy Center

From the Harford County Public Library:

Thanks to Dixie Construction Company, excitement is building for the Harford County Public Library Early Literacy Interactive Space in Bel Air. Dixie Construction Company presented Harford County Public Library with a check for $25,000 to be used in the development of this new interactive space.

“The Harford County Public Library system is an incredible asset for our community,” stated Diane Dixon, Dixie Construction Company CEO. “We are proud to support an institution that positively impacts so many families in the County. We look forward to seeing this important project become a reality.”

The company’s contribution will be used to develop a conceptual drawing for the space located inside the Bel Air Children’s Department. Plans for the new interactive center include engaging design elements and sophisticated play areas that will encourage the emergent literacy skills essential for school readiness in children.

“The Bel Air Library’s Children’s Department has served Harford County’s families for over 50 years,” said Dave Patzer, Harford County Public Library Foundation Board President. “The plans for the department will transform it into an inspired learning area. We truly appreciate the support of Dixie Construction Company which has helped bring this initiative to fruition.”

Dixie Construction Company has been a leading mid-Atlantic Construction firm for over 40 years. Headquartered in Churchville, Maryland, the philanthropic company specializes in all phases of site development and employs over 300 individuals.

“Research has shown that the development of early literacy skills is a leading precursor for educational success,” stated Shawn Pyle, President, of Dixie Construction Company. “Through its resources and programs, Harford County Public Library is playing a leading role in the effort to prepare children for school readiness. We are thrilled to partner with the Library and the Foundation on this critical program, and to reinvest in the communities where we live and work.”

“Dixie Construction’s motto is Building the future from the ground up; and with their generous contribution to the Bel Air Early Literacy Center they are doing exactly that,” said Mary Hastler, Library Director. “We are honored to be the recipient of this donation which will benefit generations of young readers to come.”

The Harford County Public Library Foundation has raised over $75,000 for the Interactive Space. With the completion of the conceptual drawing, funds will be used to purchase furniture, materials and décor necessary to transform the center into an invigorating learning environment. The renovation is planned to begin in spring 2013 with a completion date of spring 2014.

The Harford County Public Library Foundation is a 501© 3 charitable organization established to raise funds to augment the financial resources of Harford County Public Library and to promote awareness of library services.

Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 160,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of over 4,800,000. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

Dixie Construction Company presented Harford County Public Library with a check for $25,000 on February 19 to be used in the development of the Bel Air Early Literacy Interactive Space. Pictured left to right: Mary Hastler, Library Director; Diane Dixon, Dixie Construction Company CEO; Amber Shrodes, Library Foundation Director; and Shawn Pyle, Dixie Construction Company President.