Kids Lit
Books and More for Children and Teens

School Library Journal has an important piece on the Senate looking at improving the way that Head Start and libraries collaborate.  Here is the part that warmed my heart.  This Senator really gets it!

In February 2007, Sheketoff sent a letter to Representative Raul
Grijalva (D-AZ) saying that libraries play a crucial role in early
childhood literacy, which is a critical part of Head Start’s mission.
“By recognizing the important role that public libraries play in
improving literacy and school readiness in the Head Start
reauthorization bill, libraries across the country can continue to
develop new innovative programs to provide young children with the
tools they need to succeed in school and life,” the letter reads.

Yes! 

One of my favorite parts of being a children's librarian in Cape Girardeau, Missouri was going out on a weekly basis to read to a Head Start class.  The incredible difference between the children who started each year and the children who completed Head Start!  I would start the year reading all of my most gimmicky books, trying to get them to sit still long enough to make it through my short pile.  At the end of the year, I was being begged to read more and amazing the teachers and myself with the books the children would not only sit through but enjoy.  I have yet to find anything as immediately rewarding as sharing books with those children. 

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Comments

And it's not random chance that he sent this great letter to Grijalva.

I used to know Grijalva's wife, who was a public librarian in Tucson for a long time before she retired a few years back. Some of their kids went on to library school. You often see Grijalva's name attached to bills about education or literacy or libraries. The whole family believes in libraries with all their hearts.

Posted by: Maureen | August 30, 2007 12:48 AM

I am a Children's Librarian too and love visiting Head Start. I go every other Monday and just love the experience. It's my favorite outreach that I do! :) I'm super pleased to know someone else is getting the experience too.

Posted by: Beth | August 30, 2007 8:39 AM

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