Idaho Commission for Libraries

Libraries participating in First Book, Every Child Ready to Read, and mini-grants sites have been invited to participate in the 2-day Read to Me meeting, Showcasing Success. The meeting will be held in Boise at the Oxford Suites on March 5-6, 2009. Libraries need to register by February 5th.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technological resources to our library communities; therefore, this year's Bright Futures website opportunity focuses on Web 2.0 interactive capabilities.

This program encourages public libraries to partner with up to 3 elementary schools, in order to garner support for summer reading from school administrators, teachers and parents.

Partner with one or more agencies or organizations in your community.

Receive snazzy "Be Creative@Your Public Library" kazoos for each student when a library staff member or volunteer visits one or more schools to promote your Summer Reading program. Classroom visits, assemblies and field trips to the public library count, too! You'll also receive two "Be Creative@Your Library" art smocks for your library, and two for each school.

The Bookworm is a monthly publication of the Read to Me First Book program. This early literacy newsletter is sent home to the parents of children receiving First Books each month, and contains age-appropriate literacy information and activities. It can also be distributed by school and public librarians to parents at storytimes and library events.

For Libraries/Schools

Publications/Materials

The "It's All Good" blog sent out information about a new WebJunction report. The report - Latinos and Public Library Perceptions - is on the WebJunction site and is part of the Spanish Language Outreach effort which WebJunction coordinates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded.

The Idaho Child Care Reads program helps public libraries enhance services for child care providers and the children and families that they work with. Applications from public libraries interested in the program are accepted throughout the year and will be granted as funding allows.
 
The program has the following goals:

Read to Me Mini-grants provide state funding for public libraries to work with community partners in order to implement best practices in library services to children.