Idaho Commission for Libraries

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.

. . . a project of the Idaho Commission for Libraries

Funding available to help you attend ALSC Institute

The 2008 ALSC National Institute will be held September 18-20, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a great opportunity for Idaho library staff to attend a national conference without traveling across the country to get there! The Institute is an intensive learning opportunity with a youth services focus. The Commission for Libraries is providing First Time Conference Attendance grants of up to $900 for anyone employed in a publicly-funded school or public library. Grant application forms can be found here. Click on "Application for First-Time Attendance at a Library Conference 2007." They are due by July 15, 2008.  

School library staff, in particular, should list their home phone and e-mail in case we need to get in touch with you over the summer.

When registering for the conference, please use this form! Idaho library staff will get a special discount if you do. Unless you are an ALSC or ALA member (or student), register under the “nonmember” category under 25+ for $405. We’re estimating we’ll get at least 25 to attend! 

See www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscevents/institute/index.cfm for more information about the Institute. Contact Stephanie, Peggy or Shirley Hansen at the Commission (1-800-458-3271) if you have any questions about the grant form or anything else related to attending. We hope to see you there!  

Project Information

Find out about our goals, activities, project resources, and staff.

Project Resources

Find out how to order free reading support materials, reserve the educational Great Books display or the Building Bridges multicultural literature display. Download the support materials order form. Book a Traveling Educational Display. Find more marketing materials on our marketing page.

Outreach Programs

The Read to Me program sponsors four outreach programs for Idaho libraries. They include:

Information for Librarians and Educators

Find out about . . .

Information for Child Care Providers and Parents

Find out about creating a home literacy environment, and using TV wisely. Get recommendations on age-appropriate books. Learn how child care providers are supporting early literacy through Idaho Child Care Reads. Learn about training opportunities and resources.

Other Links

Links to some of the best web sites with information on early literacy.