Idaho Commission for Libraries

Libraries participating in First Book, Every Child Ready to Read, and mini-grants sites have been invited to participate in the 2-day Read to Me meeting, Showcasing Success. The meeting will be held in Boise at the Oxford Suites on March 5-6, 2009. Libraries need to register by February 5th.

The Bookworm is a monthly publication of the Read to Me First Book program. This early literacy newsletter is sent home to the parents of children receiving First Books each month, and contains age-appropriate literacy information and activities. It can also be distributed by school and public librarians to parents at storytimes and library events.

For Libraries/Schools

Publications/Materials

The Idaho Child Care Reads program helps public libraries enhance services for child care providers and the children and families that they work with. Applications from public libraries interested in the program are accepted throughout the year and will be granted as funding allows.
 
The program has the following goals:

Every Child Ready to Read Family Workshops is a six week program that involves young children and their parents in learning about the six early literacy skills that help prepare children to be successful in school.
 

Read to Me First Book provides children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The program provides a book a month for nine months for each participating child, and First Book families can participate in a free early literacy workshop.

Jump Start incorporates the six early literacy skills and encourages parents of children registering for kindergarten to “Get a Jump Start on Reading @ Your Library.” As part of the program, Idaho public libraries:

• Collaborate with their local school(s) to participate in kindergarten registration.