15^th Anniversary
The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) Read to Me program celebrates its 15^th Anniversary this year. Read to Me Coordinators hosted a party and presentation for VIPs (Very Important Partners) on January 12 to share information about the history of the program and where RTM is headed during the next few years. The “story” shared during the event can be viewed at http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/15th-anniversary-read-to-me.  

Read to Me Spring Meeting
The March 5-6 Read to Me Spring (RTM) Meeting saw a record number of participants, approximately 86 library staff representing over 55 libraries from across the state. This was the largest RTM Spring Meeting since its inception in 1997. It was packed with useful information and resources for libraries of all shapes and sizes and evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. Inspiring presenters challenged the group to explore new ways to foster literacy and incorporate math into storytimes. Participants played with blocks and sang songs—and the RTM Coordinators even put on their robes, slippers, and bunny ears to tell everyone a bedtime story. They hope to see even more participants next year!

Registration Deadlines
March 21, 2012 is the deadline to apply for Bright Futures Outreach Opportunities  and enhance your Summer Reading program.
April 6, 2012 is the deadline to apply for el día de los niños/el día de los libros. (See below.)
May 10, 2012 is the deadline to apply for the 2012-2013 My First Books program, formerly titled "Read to Me First Book. 
At anytime you can apply for Idaho Child Care Reads and the Jump Start Kindergarten programs.

Día Registration Open
Registration for “el día de los niños/el día de los libros “(Children’s Day/Book Day) is open until April 6, 2012. This opportunity is open to the first 25 publicly funded libraries that submit an application and agree to complete the following requirements:

• Host at least one culturally relevant event specifically celebrating Día
• Partner with at least one other business or group in your community to host your event. (Eligible partners could include schools, businesses, organizations, or local government agencies.)
• Submit final report to ICFL including:
  * Short summary of events/program hosted, including information on partner(s)
  * Pictures of events/programs (Remember to get photo releases if necessary for your library)
  * Data on number of people participating in Día event (adults and children)
  * Data on the number of new library cards issued (if applicable)

Eligible libraries will receive:

• Five hardcover bilingual/culturally relevant children’s books
• Paperback (English, Spanish and bilingual) books to hand out during events – you tell us how many you need
• One 2’x5’ vinyl Día banner (if you have not received in the past)
• Día posters to share with partners

Registered libraries that complete all of the requirements will also be entered into special drawings for additional books and resources.

Check out the new national Día website and “Resource Guide: Everything You Need to Do Dia”, and  register your event with the national site at http://dia.ala.org/content/registration-now-open!