Visitors of Alliance Preschool may have noticed a new little free library located at the entrance of the school building. The library is dedicated to Elayne Dunlap for her dedication to the students and staff at Alliance City Schools over the years.
Dunlap served as an educator at ACS for more than 30 years. During her time with the district, she taught 1st-8th grade before joining central office for the remainder of her career. Retirement wasn’t going to stop her from making a difference at ACS. She was soon elected to the Alliance Board of Education, where she is currently serving her second term.
“Elayne has been a steadfast role model for me and numerous other educators in Alliance and throughout Stark County,” said Rob Gress, superintendent of schools. “Throughout her career she has proven that leadership is about influence, not about titles. In her role as a teacher, she has influenced countless students and adults in a very positive way.”
Dunlap was honored this past spring with the Lifetime Educator award from the Stark County Education Service Center. This award is given to one Stark County educator annually who has shown great dedication to the schools and students.
Throughout her career, Dunlap has had a passion for literacy and encouraging students and families to begin reading at a young age. The little free library helps to ensure the families of our youngest Aviators have access to books at all times.
“Every Child. Every Day. Enjoying Reading,” Dunlap said. “The sharing library is an outreach project to promote literacy and encourage lifelong learning. Join me in keeping a book in a preschooler's hands.”
Families and community members are welcome to take a book to enjoy with their little one or to add books to the little free library for others to enjoy. Dunlap plans to help keep the library stocked and hopes others will help her with this initiative.