Nov. 18, 2010
News Release
Early Literacy Collection Given to 35 Colorado Public Library Sites
The Colorado State Library announced today that 35 Colorado public library sites in 25 library systems have been awarded an Early Literacy Collection of 24 picture books. The collections contain picture books based on research on what works with young children to inspire learning.
“The use of these books in libraries across Colorado will help support crucial brain and learning development in infants and young children,” said Commissioner of Education Dwight D. Jones. “Early literacy skills are the foundation for reading readiness.”
The storytime collection was funded through federal funds designed to promote early literacy. Library sites were selected based on a demonstrated commitment to serving children, success in implementing literacy programs for children and interest in early literacy development in the community. All 35 library sites serve populations under 25,000 and are located across Colorado.
The following library districts/systems were awarded one or more Early Literacy Collections:
Akron Public Library
Canon City Public Library
Cortez Public Library
Delta County Public Library District
Dolores Library District / Montezuma County
East Cheyenne County Library District
East Morgan County Library District / Brush
Elbert County Library District
Garfield County Public Library District
Gunnison County Library District
Kiowa County Public Library District / Eads
Lamar Public Library
Mancos Public Library District
Montrose Regional Library District
Northern Chaffee County Library District / Buena Vista
Park County Public Library
Penrose Community Library District
Rampart Library District
Rangely Regional Library District
Rio Grande Library District / Monte Vista
Spanish Peaks Library District / Walsenburg
Sterling Public Library
West Routt Library District / Hayden
Wray Public Library
Yuma Public Library
The early literacy collection books provide parents and caregivers with techniques for engaging infants and young children in language and literacy games that promote learning and school-readiness. In the program, children have exposure to language and literature and arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. Parents, child care providers and others are encouraged to discover ways to engage very young children in fun and playful interactions that also build healthy brain development. Public library storytimes are an excellent way for parents and children to read together, tell and talk about stories, say nursery rhymes and sing songs.
Early literacy skills are research-based practices from the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) program -- a national initiative from the Public Library Association to promote pre-literacy skills in children from birth through age five in public libraries. The State Library works with early literacy librarians throughout the state to promote literacy through books, songs and activities. Parents are encouraged to go to http://www.StoryBlocks.org to find other fun literacy activities.
Questions? Contact Patricia Froehlich in the Colorado State Library at 303-866-6908 or froehlich_p@cde.state.co.us. Visit www.coloradostatelibrary.org
For technical assistance, E-Mail: CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us