Discusses the benefits of reading informational books with young readers. Topics include how to choose books that will interest young readers; books for reading aloud or reading alone; and collaborative reading, which connects an informational book to a recent experience, or connects a fiction book with a book of information. (LRW)

Offers suggestions for designing a flexible schedule for an elementary school library media center. Discusses book check-out times; classroom collaboration and coordination projects; read-aloud and storytimes; information literacy or research projects; library director planning time; special activities; and maintenance and record keeping. (LRW)

Describes the development of a yearlong plan to increase student reading in an elementary school media center. Discusses the involvement of families in literacy programs; extending services of the media center; community involvement, including readings by community leaders; students writing and publishing their own books; and reading clubs. (LRW)

Suggest ways that elementary school media specialists can encourage reading. Highlights include personal attention; students reading aloud; book bibliographies; a comfortable reading corner; competition; student suggestions for titles; contests and games; teacher recommendations; booktalks; displays; and author visits. (LRW)