A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Librarians
Can Do to Help

1. Learn more about the America Reads Challenge. Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for fliers on the America Reads Challenge and READ*WRITE*NOW! and provide them to the public. Contact your local READ*WRITE*NOW! program and see how your library can help.

2. Work with local partners to start a community reading program. One good way to begin is to set up an America Reads Challenge: READ*WRITE*NOW! program. Identify quality reading materials for the program. Look into providing materials in Braille, large-print texts, books on tape. Use communication specialists such as sign-language interpreters. Establish structured learning time at the library to give children who need extra help opportunities to become successful readers. Volunteer to train tutors or serve as a community coordinator. Offer the library as a safe site for the community program. Promote a special sign-up day for children to come in and get their own library cards.

3. Help children learn how to use the library's resources effectively. Provide free orientation sessions on how to use the library. Encourage local businesses and community groups to donate computer hardware and software, then offer special sessions for children to be trained in the use of the computer.

4. Help parents who cannot read or have low-level literacy skills. Offer tutoring services to those who cannot read or who have low-level literacy skills. Contact your local school, church, or neighborhood organization to find a tutor.

5. Expand your library's resources, particularly computers and children's software programs. Let families and children know that the Internet offers them a wealth of free information. Offer free introductory sessions on how to use these resources. Include equipment and software for children with physical and learning disabilities.

6. Ask your local schools how you can help them improve students' reading. Contact your local schools and offer to give short library presentations in the classrooms. Ask how the library can help meet the needs of children with disabilities.

7. Increase opportunities for preschoolers and their child care workers to visit the library. Invite groups of preschoolers from local child care centers to attend special reading programs at the library. Offer recognition to children who have read (or listened to) a certain number of books. Let caregivers know that they should encourage families to visit the library with their children.

8. Help motivate all children to read for enjoyment. Identify children's favorite subjects and direct them to books, magazines, book/cassette kits, videos, computer software, and other library resources. Make the necessary arrangements for special resources to enable children with special needs also to read for enjoyment.

9. Work with local parent groups to establish a parent or grandparent corps of volunteer reading tutors. Identify a volunteer coordinator, reading specialist, teacher, or librarian to plan and develop procedures for recruitment and service. Contact the local PTA, senior center, or Retired and Senior Volunteer Program office to recruit volunteers. Consider helping children with learning challenges and special needs. Provide the training tutors will need when working with these students. Ask your local Foster Grandparent Program to provide senior citizen mentors with this training.

10. Collect and distribute information that will help families improve their children's reading skills. Circulate America Reads Challenge: READ*WRITE*NOW! materials and encourage similar efforts in the community. Display and provide suggested book lists for children of a wide age range.