The Little Falls Public Library has been awarded funding from the Harry Chapin Foundation to support its toddler and school-age summer literacy programs.

Founded in the name of the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, known for such songs as “Taxi” and “Cat’s in the Cradle”, the foundation was established in 1981 as a public charity and re-classified as an independent foundation in 1999.

Chapin, a dedicated philanthropist who believed that every person could make a difference in the world, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. The Foundation continues that work through its mission of supporting organizations that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihoods of people by making them more self-sufficient.

The funding will allow the library’s Summertime Toddler Time and Story Time programs to be offered free of charge through July and August. Both programs are instructed by certified elementary educator Amy LaPuma. Ms. LaPuma holds a bachelor’s degree in education from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and was a kindergarten teacher in the Dolgeville school district for thirty-three years.

Pre-registration is required for participation. Further information can be obtained by contacting the library at (315) 823-1542 or littlefalls@midyork.org.