November Literacy Campaign: First 5 LA Encourages Parents to Visit Libraries

First 5 Commissions of Southern California, including First 5 LA, announced today the launch of their third annual "Read Early, Read Aloud" early child literacy campaign for November. The month-long, joint effort encourages parents and caregivers of children ages 5 and younger to read aloud to young children and to participate in literacy events in their community.

This year, the First 5 Commissions are also promoting the use of libraries as a free and fun way for parents and caregivers to inspire their children to love reading. Across six counties in Southern California, parents and caregivers will be encouraged to visit their local library and sign up for a library card - not just for them, but for their children too.

"Success in school starts with reading," said Evelyn V. Martinez, executive director of First 5 LA.  "When children become good readers early in life, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond."

But even before children can read themselves, Martinez emphasized that they need to be exposed to books and libraries. "Learning to read begins with babies and continues throughout the toddler years, because when children listen to stories, they gain crucial language skills."  

As part of the campaign, First 5 LA is running a public service announcement (PSA) on Time Warner Cable channels promoting our library card drive, where parents and children who sign up for a library card at participating libraries receive a free First 5 LA tote bag. Click below to see the PSA. For more information on the "Read Early, Read Aloud" library partnership campaign and to locate a nearby participating library call the First 5 LA Parent Helpline at 888-FIRST5-LA (888-347-7855) or visit www.ReadySetGrowLA.org.

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