It’s a Great Year to Raise a Reader

By: Georgia Mergler, Community Relations Manager

We’re a couple of weeks into the New Year and by now you are probably acclimated to writing 2012 on documents instead of 2011. One of my personal goals for 2012 is to read more. I love to read, but like many, have trouble finding time to squeeze it in amongst the other daily demands of life. That said, I’m committed to making it a priority, not only because I enjoy it but because I want it to be a priority for my kids as well. You see, I think one of the best gifts we can give our kids is the love of reading. And that love begins early, which is why Washington-Centerville Public Library puts such an emphasis on offering services that foster early literacy skills, including:

· Storytimes – Stories, songs and fingerplays encourage language and social skills for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. More than a dozen storytimes are offered each week at various times of day and night so that even working parents can give their child the benefit of this experience. It’s a really simple way to “schedule” some reading time for your child.

· Online Educational Games – Don’t underestimate the power of technology in helping to raise a reader. Kids love to interact with computers and the library offers designated computer stations pre-loaded with more than 50 educational games for kids ages 2-10. Games like Sesame Street, Dora’s World Adventures, and Math Doodles not only encourage early literacy skills, but math and geography skills as well!

· Tumble Books – Can’t make it to the library? Access Tumble Books via the children’s website at http://kids.wclibrary.info/. Tumble Books is an online collection of animated books. Simply select a book off the virtual “bookshelf” and it will be read to your child. How’s that for easy?! Tumble Books also offers puzzles, quizzes and games that reinforce comprehension of the story read.

· Open Shut Them Blog – This service is really more for parents than kids, but if you are looking for some great early literacy tips or suggestions for what to read your children, be sure to follow this library sponsored blog at http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/

Take advantage of these great services, as well as the more than 100,000 items in our children’s collection and you’ll have kids who love to read! For more information on Washington-Centerville Public Library and early literacy services visit www.wclibrary.info .