Raising A Reader – A ChampDecember 3, 2007 |
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 For young families in Long Beach who don't regularly go to the library, the library has found a way to go to them. The Raising A Reader program has brought the library closer to home for more than 6,900 parents and preschoolers in the past three years. Funded by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Raising a Reader makes lap reading and sharing storybooks a family ritual in homes with preschool children by promoting those activities in more than 40 locations throughout the city – vastly extending the reach of the city's 12 brick-and-mortar libraries. Families receive bright red book bags filled with award-winning children’s books as part of the 12-week program. Children eventually are introduced to more than 120 colorful books featuring distinctive stories and artwork, age-appropriate language and multicultural themes. The vision of the program is to see that all preschool children arrive at kindergarten in love with books, healthy and ready to learn. First 5 LA recognized the Library Foundation’s efforts with a "Champions for our Children" Award last week as part of our Read Early, Read Aloud campaign. "The Raising A Reader program engages parents and caregivers in their children's early literacy development and encourages families to take advantage of local libraries as a resource," said First 5 LA Commissioner Nancy Au, who presented the award at a library literacy event. "The program is making a difference in the lives of young children by supporting and promoting family literacy in Los Angeles County," Au said. Sara Pillet, the Foundation's Executive Director, accepted the First 5 LA award, saying "the real 'stars' are the Long Beach parents participating in our Raising A Reader program. Their dedication to bettering their children’s futures is awesome." |
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