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August 27, 2013

Public Library Proud to Promote Early Literacy Through Read-On! Partnership

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is proud and excited to be part of the Read On! Initiative to promote early literacy. The Library is taking an active role in several ways as part of this important partnership.

Early reading success is one of the most critical academic milestones for young children, and a leading predictor of future academic success, including high school graduation and post-secondary completion. Through the implementation of focused and research-based strategies, The Library is uniting with other local organizations with a shared vision to Read On! and change the story…

Campaign Kick-Off

Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director Kim Fender recently took part in the campaign kick-off celebration at the Cincinnati Museum Center where students, families, business leaders, elected officials and community partners joined together to celebrate the official launch of Read On! Attendees learned about The Library’s many programs and events designed to promote literacy and learning for the whole family. Attendees also had the chance to sign up for a Library card, giving them free access to all the Library’s resources, and to see the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, awarded to our Library in May.

Using the Library To Promote Early Literacy

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County strives every day to help children learn to read and grow in their literacy abilities through a variety of methods:

 Offering free Library cards for parents AND fine-free cards for children.  Encouraging children to check out books, music, and more to enjoy at home.  Offering free storytimes at many of our 41 branches  Special programs offered throughout the year to engage children and teach reading skills

The Library is also hosting the Read On! Family Symposium on Saturday, October 5th from 9:00- 11:30 a.m. at the Main Library. There will be family activities, reading and playgroups to help promote childhood reading. The event will also feature music and snacks!

The Library is also encouraging people to take the Cincinnati Preschool Pledge. Research by the University of Chicago economist James J. Heckman, a Nobel laureate, points to a 7-10% annual return on investment in high-quality preschool education for our children. Local data from Cincinnati Public School preschool and quality-rated child care centers consistently show positive effects on kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading, both significant predictors of future success in school and in life. For these reasons, business and community leaders around Greater Cincinnati, along with Ohio Governor John Kasich and President Barack Obama, are coming together to support quality early childhood education. They are asking people to pledge to support a responsibly financed Cincinnati Preschool Program. For more information, please visit http://4cforchildren.org/Promise/.

For more information on early literacy initiatives offered by The Library, go to http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/services/readytoread.html.

Follow the Read On! Campaign on Twitter at @ReadOnCampaign and @CincyLibrary.