Did you know that 35% of children are not ready to learn how to read when they get to school?

The Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association of Library Services for Children (ALSC) have responded to this literacy crisis by developing a program called Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library.

The program targets the parents and caregivers of very young children and offers them ways to develop early literacy skills among children from birth to age five.

Librarians can learn how to do workshops for parents and caregivers by using materials and kits developed by PLA and ALSC.

The kits can be checked out from the State Library, and more information is available on the PLA website at www.pla.org/ala/pla/plaissues/earlylit/earlyliteracy.htm.

For help with using the kits or developing early literacy programs, please contact Ann Hoey at the State Library at ahoey@library.state.nh.us or call (603) 271-2865.