Idaho Paves the Way with Access to Print

The goal of the new Routes to Reading Program is to significantly increase the amount of reading done in Idaho homes and early childhood education settings. To achieve this goal, the Idaho Commission for Libraries will be using grant and state funds totaling over $300,000 over three years to build three new elements into the successful Read to Me program.

Books to Go Program

Idaho library staff will place Books to Go bins at Head Start sites, developmental preschools, child care centers, and home-based child care locations so parents and caregivers will have convenient, continuous access to pre-packaged books. The bags contain age-appropriate quality books and an early literacy handout that corresponds with the titles. Child care providers will be able to use the books and materials throughout the day and parents will be able to check out “Books to Go” when they pick up their child.  ICfL has sent 97 Books to Go bins to27 libraries in Wave 1 of the program. Another large shipment of starter bins will be ready to place at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. By the end of the grant program, 250 sites statewide will have access to the program.

Idaho libraries are encouraged to apply for Wave 2 of the Books to Go program now! Apply at www.surveymonkey.com/s/books-to-go-application.

Route 1 Information and Resources

Implement a statewide “Storytime Online” and TumbleBooks™ for all public libraries

Many families and child care providers are not able to attend library storytimes. This brings storytimes to them through a parent-friendly website with access to TumbleBooks™ in English and Spanish, daily activities to develop early literacy skills including fingerplays and songs modeled in video clips, and other educational information. This new DayByDayID.org site is a great resource for Idaho families, librarians, and caregivers.

A new three-year contract with TumbleBooks provides access to ebooks through every Idaho public library website. Promotional efforts are underway to get the word out about these great resources.

Route 2 Information and Resources

Communication, Collaboration, and Coalition Building

ICfL will work with libraries and community partners to increase awareness of the valuable role libraries play to ensure children begin school with a strong foundation of early literacy skills. ICfL will facilitate a minimum of four meetings throughout Idaho to build local coalitions and ensure that the projects started with the grant are sustainable at the community level. Library staff and their community partners will collaboratively examine the results of grant projects, build on successes, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Years 2 and 3 of the grant includes working with a media firm to develop a coordinated, consistent message in English and Spanish that libraries and partners can utilize.

Route 3 Information and Resources

Special thanks to our primary funders and supporters:

The mission of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS provides leadership through research, policy development, and grant making, and supports key issues of national concern. Idaho’s “Routes to Reading” project is part of an IMLS initiative to support the goals of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and was among those receiving the National Leadership Grants (NLG) announced by IMLS last week.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, launched in early 2011, is a collaboration among foundations, national nonprofits, state and communities across the nation to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship.