Read to Me is sponsoring a training session August 1, 2008 for library staff who will be participating in the Read to Me First Book program and the new Every Child Ready to Read Project. If your library is interested in participating in these two Read to Me outreach opportunities, please register online by July 11 at www.eventbrite.com/event/108719182. We do have limited seating. The Read to Me program is able to reimburse you for your travel expenses and we’ve reserved a block of rooms at the hotel. We can accommodate up to two or three people from your library. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements (see travel handout for details) and will be reimbursed at the state rate.

Saroj Ghoting, a nationally-known presenter and early literacy expert, will be the primary presenter for the Every Child Ready to Read portion of the day. We'll be spending time practicing with the scripts developed for these workshops. Check out the agenda here.

Here are a few more notes about the training: You are welcome to attend the First Book orientation at 9 a.m. even if you are not participating in that program. If you’ve already participated in First Books and won’t be taking part in the 2008-2009 program, you may plan to arrive at the workshop at 10 a.m.

First Book participants: You are welcome to attend the Every Child Ready to Read portion of workshop even if you are not participating in that program. Just let us know so we can count you in our lunch order.

In order to qualify for the free materials, we’re asking participating libraries to host two six week workshops. We’d also like an estimate of how many families you think you’ll reach at your first workshop series, along with the approximate date you plan to start. Please e-mail that information to stephanie.bailey-white@libraries.idaho.gov .

We can’t announce recipients of the First Book awards for 2008-2009 or the Read to Me mini-grant recipients until after June 16th. We will hold spots open for all First Book and grant recipients. Libraries are welcome to participate in the Every Child Ready to Read Program even if they aren’t doing a grant program.

If you have questions about the training, please contact Stephanie or Peggy (1-800-458-3271 or 334-2150 in the Boise calling area).