Raise a Reader

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

“Kids who read grow up to succeed”. It seems like a simple and easy concept but how to raise a reader is not clear to everyone. To educate parents and caregivers on how to help their child learn that fundamental skill, in February 2015, Dakota County Library launched a campaign designed to teach parents how to - Raise a Reader. The overall goal was to help parents recognize the importance of early literacy and how the library can help them reach the goal of raising a reader. The campaign used brightly colored signs and displays in the library and brochures passed out by other county departments such as public health and economic and employment assistance. In order to draw young readers back to the library, a one month library fine “amnesty” program was offered to children. Hundreds of people flocked back to the library now that that barrier was removed. The Raise a Reader campaign was a success. Many parents and even some preschool teachers attended programs on how to develop those important early literacy skills. New library cards were issued and circulation of children’s items increased. Most important was the continued use of newly issued library cards.