A home library can have a powerful effect on children. Sharing books daily is a simple but impactful way for families to support their child’s early success. Among pre-kindergarten students in Rochester, 96% of parents report reading to their children at least weekly, and 35% read daily. Research shows that book distribution programs can increase shared book reading.
We are excited to announce that our partnership with Barnes & Noble resulted in over 3,500 books and close to $4,000 dollars raised to provide home libraries to students in two local schools. Each student will receive a hand crafted bookshelf with a customized starter pack of books with culturally relevant, age appropriate materials.
Our partners at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital have included library corners in their waiting rooms and even dressed up as children’s books during their annual Halloween parade to promote book sharing and home libraries in front of a huge crowd of parents and children.
Their efforts support our Community Reading Project designed to improve literacy for Rochester’s students. You can help promote literacy too and learn how children learn to read best by checking out resources from Education Week’s Getting Reading Right and this article on the benefits of a home library for children.