LIBRARY MATTERS

Contributed article
Published: April 25, 2008

Get caught reading
Did you know that reading to a child stimulates his or her brain to grow? May is Get caught Reading Month, a celebration of the ongoing literacy campaign sponsored by the Association of American Publishers. Troubling literacy statistics have shown that more than 20 percent of adults in the U.S. cannot read above a fifth grade level.
To improve this situation, schools, libraries and publishers have banded together to share the new about the joys of a good book and encourage young and old to “get caught reading.” Consider devoting at least 30 minutes every day to read for pleasure or to read to your children.
Check out the library’s Kid’s website for book suggestions and lists compiled by J-MRL Librarians. On this website there is also a link to Kids New Books in Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Bookletters for Kids provides e-newsletters that you can sign-up for and get a monthly preview of the best new books for budding readers. You will learn about sure-to-please choices for storytime. Children’s Chapter Books is another e-newsletter that gives an inside look at great titles for little book lovers. Independent readers will appreciate these monthly recommendations on exciting new chapter books in fiction and nonfiction.
Websites to well-known award winning books are also listed: Newbery Award Winners, Caldecott Award Winners, Coretta Scott King Award Winners, Virginia Readers Choice Books, and many more.
Visit the Greene County Library and ask the friendly staff to help you sign up for some these e-newsletters and to find fun books for your children.