Read to Me

Providing information, training, technical assistance, and resources for Idaho libraries and their community partners.

Our vision is for all parents and caregivers to nurture their children's early literacy skills and for all children to develop as independent readers and become lifelong learners.

Resources and Upcoming Events

Resources			Upcoming Events
	Read to Me's public awareness efforts encompass a wide variety of materials and dissemination methods to reach families across Idaho with information about early literacy and library resources. Outreach materials are available for free to Idaho library staff by using our online ORDER FORM. Additional resources can be found on our Resource Page.			Read to Me Fall Training: Project coordinators are currently planning regional trainings, tentatively to be held the week of October 19. More upcoming events: Summer Reading- "Be Creative @ your library!" September is Library Card Sign-up Month. October 18-24 is Teen Read Week, "Read Beyond Reality!"

Outreach Opportunities For Libraries

Jumpstart Kindergarten Registration		First Book
	Librarians encourage parents of children registering for kindergarten to “Get a Jump Start on Reading @ Your Library.” Participating librarians provide early literacy information and a free book to each child and his/her family during kindergarten registration.		The program provides books for at-risk children. In 2008-09, the Read to Me program provided books and services for over 2,100 children in 25 library programs throughout the state.

Mini Grants		Summer Reading
	State dollars establish literacy outreach mini-grants for public libraries to work with community partners, in order to implement best practices in library service to children.		Summer Reading is the most popular library literacy program. Kids enjoy special programs and reading adventures, and at the same time keep their reading skills sharp for the coming school year.

Every Child Ready to Read		Idaho Child Care Reads
	Every Child Ready to Read Family Workshops is a program that involves young children (ages birth to 6) and their parents/caregivers in learning the early literacy skills that help to prepare children for reading success in school.		Librarians host early literacy workshops for child care providers. The Commission provides children’s books and a professional development book to those who complete a workshop.