TARTA, Toledo Library Partnership Puts Youth In Touch With Summer Programs
Transportation costs will not be a barrier for any youth wishing to take part in the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Summer Read program, or any of the events and activities that make summer great in northwest Ohio.
Through a partnership between the library and the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), Youth Summer Blast Passes will be available at each library branch, allowing youth ages 6-19 to ride TARTA services for free all of June, July and August.
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Summer Read program kicks off June 1 and runs through August 3. Participants can apply for a Blast Pass to get to library branches and back for free, track their summer reading and earn prizes along the way.
Free rides through the Youth Summer Blast Pass are funded through grants from Greater Toledo Community Foundation, the City of Toledo, and Lucas County. “Our Summer Read program has been a staple of the community for so many years, and we’re excited to do anything we can to make it easier for as many people as possible to enjoy it,” said Nancy Eames, Youth Services Coordinator for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. “We’re excited to work with TARTA to expand access for youth to not only this program, but activities all over the area.
“Engaging in a summer reading program boosts literacy skills and fosters a lifelong love of reading, but it goes beyond that. The development of critical thinking skills, the exposure to other cultures and so much more can be traced back to reading. We are thrilled to provide this program that benefits readers of all ages.”
Youth can sign up for a Blast Pass can by filling out an application at any library branch, at TARTA’s Transit Hub (612 N. Huron Street), or from a TARTA representative at a number of public events this summer. Digital passes are also available. More information can be found at tarta.com/blast.
TARTA’s Youth Summer Blast Pass helped more than 2,000 area youth last year reach job opportunities, camps, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations without worrying about paying for travel. Through this partnership with the library and working with other community partners, TARTA hopes to be a resource to even more young people this summer.
“We are grateful for this partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and partnerships with so many others that make this program possible,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “TARTA is fortunate to serve northwest Ohio, and this is another way we are doing everything we can to help our youth connect to the great things in this community.
“Whether they are going to the library or work or events or anywhere else they need to go, we hope the Blast Pass continues to open doors to new opportunities for our students and young adults.”
