Manatee County Libraries sets Literacy Expo Monday

Libraries in Manatee plan Literacy Expo Monday

MANATEE -- The Manatee County Central Library 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton, is staging a Literacy Expo from 5-7 p.m. Monday to increase awareness of the free early literacy and grade-level reading programs.

Working with the Manatee County Schools Grade Level Reading Department, Manatee County Public Libraries wants to make it easier for parents, guardians and educators to find out how the library can help enhance reading success for children, according to officials.

Most programs and resources showcased at the Literacy Expo are available at all six Manatee libraries.

South Florida Museum will also present "Megalodons, Mammoths & Mastodons." Youngsters can investigate bones, teeth and shells and learn what it takes to become a fossil hunter.

Other organizations involved include the Early Learning Coalition, Whole Child Manatee and Manatee County Rural Health Services.

There will be a raffle for Feld Entertainment tickets and other prizes, and free refreshments.

Information: 941-748-5555.

Manatee School District sets post-secondary night

BRADENTON -- Students and parents are invited to meet with representatives from colleges, universities and technical schools to learn about the application process, financial aid and scholarships during the Manatee County School District post-secondary education night.

The event at the Bradenton Area Convention Center will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at the convention center, 1 Haben Blvd., in Palmetto.

USF Sarasota-Manatee welcomes Fulbright scholar

SARASOTA -- The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is welcoming its second Fulbright scholar this year.

Dr. Rong-Da Liang of the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism in Taiwan arrived for a year-long study of marketing and tourism trends at theme parks. He joins Nefike Günden, a Turkish-born scholarship recipient pursuing a master's degree at USF Sarasota-Manatee's College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership.

Liang, 39, plans to conduct research at USFSM's M3 Center for Hospitality Technology & Innovation. He is staying in St. Petersburg with his wife and two young children.

The Fulbright Program provides 8,000 grants yearly to allow U.S. students and scholars to study and conduct research abroad and for people of other countries to do the same here.

It's named for Sen. J. William Fulbright (1905-1995), who founded the program to increase understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee County Libraries sets Literacy Expo Monday ."