Tom Foster Named Saint Paul Public Library’s Volunteer of the Year

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 06/09/2015 04:05 PM CDT

Media Release
Contact: Andrea McKennan
651-266-7022
andrea.mckennan@ci.stpaul.mn.us

 

Tom Foster Named Saint Paul Public Library’s Volunteer of the Year

ST. PAUL, MN – Saint Paul Public Library recognizes Tom Foster as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated work with children at the library’s Saint Anthony Park location.

Mr. Foster is a native of Saint Paul and of the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood. He graduated from Murray High School in 1958 and received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1963; his M.A. in Reading from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls in 1971; and his Education Specialist certificate from the University of Saint Thomas in 1975. He taught in the Saint Paul Public Schools for 17 years and was a principal for 23 years, ending his career as a principal at Saint Anthony Park Elementary School.

He has six children, 26 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. His life of service includes his volunteer position as the Bishop of the Saint Paul Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a position which he has held for 15 years.

Tom Foster volunteers at the library where he got his first library card, the Saint Anthony Park Library. He volunteers as a puppeteer and storyteller for storytimes. He is more than an entertainer: his commitment to early literacy through puppets, stories, and songs has enriched the lives of hundreds of children and adults over the years. He shares the goal of the Saint Paul Public Library that every child be ready for kindergarten. Mr. Foster, along with his menagerie of furry puppet friends, has partnered with library staff for over 11 years to make children smile, laugh, applaud, and learn essential reading skills.

More About Saint Paul Public Library
Saint Paul Public Library connects people in Saint Paul with the imperative and the joy of learning through a lifetime. Saint Paul residents can enjoy free access to technology, books, movies, music, classes, and more. We are at 12 neighborhood libraries, George Latimer Central Library, the Bookmobile, and online at sppl.org.

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