2021 Program Theme:

“Believe and Achieve!”

2021 official program dates: November 8 – 14

Registration opens September 15, 2021 – Check back regularly for more updates!

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of the Idaho Family Reading Week program are:

  • To emphasize the importance of daily family/caregiver reading time and its support of early childhood literacy.
  • To connect families/caregivers of young children with the early literacy resources their local public and school libraries have available to help them prepare their child for school success.
  • To help every family/caregiver obtain a public library card and visit a public and/or school library

By applying for the Idaho Family Reading Week program, the library agrees to:

  • host at least 1 family reading/literacy event (virtual, in-person, via curbside services, or a combination of these delivery methods) by November 30, 2021 (event does NOT have to be Nov 8-14 only; can be anytime in the month of November);
  • promote library programming/resources and library cards/library access for all families/children;
  • submit a summary event report including numbers served, narrative responses and program/resource feedback by December 15, 2021 (You can preview the report questions below.)

Program Overview for 2021:

  • We have the capacity to serve 100 Idaho libraries. Public and school libraries may register for this program. School libraries are encouraged to partner with an applying public library and submit one registration form for a joint event. If the local public library cannot partner, the school library may apply on their own. We want to serve as many children/families as possible so we encourage community collaboration and discourage duplicate requests.
  • Program Registration: approx. September 15 – until filled  (based on a first-come, first served protocol; it will remain open until filled or until we reach the closing date)
  • Libraries that register will receive: Five themed, newer, hardcover books (either for library programming/the collection or for participants), access to the themed artwork/graphics, marketing collateral, printed student journals (and access to the files to print more), recommended reading lists and bookmark templates, and paperback books to give to participating families (limits will apply).
  • Libraries that are unable to register before we reach our maximum capacity of 100 libraries: You can still offer the program with the help of our free, downloadable marketing collateral, the book activity links and recommended reading lists, and the printable Student Achievement Journals. You may also consider if your event meets the requirements of the “Outreach for Underserved Children” program.

  • Aug 16 – Sept 1: Idaho FRW website updated with the new art, themed activities and resource info & Idaho FRW info/registration postcard mailed to every public library and elementary school library in Idaho
  • Sept 15: Idaho FRW Registration opens! (closes when registration hits 100 libraries)
  • Oct 1 – Oct 15: Requested books and resources mailed out to participating libraries. Libraries who do not register before we hit capacity can use all program art, activity templates and other resources listed on the FRW website.
  • November: Idaho FRW events held – any day in November or during week of Nov 8-14 (the official week of FRW).  FRW coincides with the national Children’s Book Week organized by Every Child a Reader (check out their program resources as well).
  • December 15: Idaho FRW event summary reports due to ICfL for all participating libraries

2021 Program Resources:

“Believe and Achieve” themed hardcover books to be provided to 100 registered FRW libraries:

Download and utilize themed “Believe and Achieve” artwork designed by ICfL to promote your Idaho Family Reading Week event. Posters and letterhead templates have room for library-specific information and customization.

Posters/Flyers:

Bookmark Template

FRW 2021 – Letterhead – Customizable Word doc

Facebook Banner

Website Banner

Individual art elements:

Public Announcement Info: 

  • Sample Idaho Family Reading Week Proclamation (to share with your local media, partners, local government)
  • Sample Idaho Family Reading Week Press Release (customizable for your library)

Book Guides for Provided Hardcover Titles:

Additional Book Guides for Recommended Titles for the FRW Theme (see “Recommended Reading List” below):

“Believe and Achieve” Student Journals – 

Library staff…distribute these student journals to children attending your Family Reading Week activities and events. The prompts in the journals tie in with the themes and concepts explored in the FRW hardcover books provided.

Themed Recommended Reading List – Utilize these themed-book recommendations to create your own bookmarks, sort by age group, send home as a parent flyer, create a library display, or as a recommended check-out list for shared family reading. Most of the titles on this list can also be found on the FRW list on IDEA – the Idaho Digital E-Book Alliance. Share these great digital resources as well: IDEA!

Storytime Resources: 

Idaho Teen Reading Challenge – use your FRW event as a kick-off to your own Teen Reading Challenge! View the resources developed by ICfL, read the FAQ’s and register your school or public library to participate in the challenge here.

The national Children’s Book Week, by Every Child a Reader, is also November 8-14, 2021.

Check out their free program resources created around the theme of “Reading is a Superpower” – look under the “Fun Stuff” tab. Mix and match their resources with ours to create a unique Idaho Family Reading Week program for your library!

Five Early Literacy Skills handouts  – library can download/print themselves or order from ICfL via “Support Materials Order Form”:

Talking is Teaching handouts – a national literacy information campaign:

Fostering Readers website – “Helping you plan fun, research-based literacy activities for children in K-3rd grade”

Check out all the great resources and ideas at:  https://fosteringreaders.weebly.com 

Event planning tips and ideas for a successful Idaho Family Reading Week event:

Program Registration

(Open September 15 –  until filled)

Summary Report

(Due by December 15th)

Idaho Family Reading Week Archives

Looking for great program ideas and activities?

Check out the Idaho Family Reading Week archives.

Questions? Contact Read To Me Project Coordinator, Kristina Taylor

Kristina Taylor

Kristina Taylor

Outreach & Community Engagement Consultant
Email / 208-639-4136
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