In spring 2024, the Multicounty Multitype Library Systems, supported by State Library Services, conducted a census of K-12 public and charter schools in Minnesota to learn about the status of school libraries. A total of 1,528 out of 1,777 eligible schools completed the census. The findings can help legislators, school staff, librarians, and…

Since children develop the critical language and early reading skills necessary to enter kindergarten between birth and age five, reading aloud is one of the most influential steps librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers can take to foster preschoolers' literacy skills. Early exposure to books heavily influences vocabulary knowledge, which…

This book is a guide to providing library resources and services that support homeschooling. The first section contains an overview of the homeschooling movement, statistics that show a nationwide trend toward this form of education, and an examination of the motivations, philosophies and educational styles of homeschoolers. The second section…

In response to recent state and national reports on the status of public education in the United States, the Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issues this paper primarily to communicate the vital importance of school library media programs and the professionals who direct them in…

Visiting the library is a great way for parents to encourage their child's imagination and learning. It gives parents the opportunity to model good reading behavior and to show their child that they value books and reading. No matter how young the child is, a trip to the library can be an enjoyable outing for parents and their children. Most…

The "Born To Read" project helps parents raise children with healthy bodies and minds. Public librarians and health care professionals form partnerships and reach out to at-risk expectant and new parents. The video provides techniques and tips to plan successful programs for babies, including a segment for libraries to use with the…

The Library/Head Start Partnership Project is administered through a joint agreement between the Library of Congress Center for the Book and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Bureau. Its purpose is to demonstrate how libraries that serve young children can plan and work with Head Start programs to enhance learning and…

Focusing on the cooperative role of parents and public libraries in stimulating reading interests in children of all ages, this booklet addresses the following issues: (1) getting children interested in reading (reading aloud to children; encouraging children to read to you; starting a home library; showing children that you enjoy reading;…

This publication explains, through examples of current library programs around the United States, how libraries affect the education of children, and offers an impetus for others to embrace the challenge of providing quality library programming for children. Through these programs, libraries work toward achieving national educational goals, and…

Kid's Stuff game will introduce students, parents, teachers and educators to authors and illustrators who have consistently created books for children and young adults that are of superior quality and interest. The research-base games for use in library media center, classroom and at home game also helps students learn to use computer card catalog…

The article describes resources offered by public libraries for parents of handicapped children. Basic information is given about library staff, reference services, periodicals, equipment and materials, and other special libraries or information centers. (CL)

This digest highlights the findings of an extensive review and analysis of the literature related to the role of libraries in education. The review was undertaken to demonstrate the critical role libraries can play in meeting the six National Education Goals adopted in 1990 by the President and the governors of the United States. The goals, which…

Focusing on the cooperative role of parents and public libraries in stimulating reading interests in children of all ages, this booklet addresses the following issues: (1) getting children interested in reading (reading aloud to children; encouraging children to read to you; starting a home library; showing children that you enjoy reading;…

Designed for parents of preschoolers, this monthly bilingual (English/Spanish) newsletter contains information on local library programs, games and activities to play at home, reading readiness, and recommended books for preschoolers. A feature on disabled children includes a description of the library's special needs collection and a letter to…

Noting that parents are their children's first and most important teachers, this digest provides suggestions and recommends resources to help parents become involved in their children's literacy development. The digest discusses visiting the public library; reading aloud and modeling reading; playing with children; listening to children read;…