The Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy website has an often-updated blog that includes news about early literacy efforts in libraries across the country. One recent(ish) post I thought was really interesting was about public libraries in Oregon that are creating a new early literacy project called "Project Ready to Learn" that will link parents'/caregivers' use of the library with their young children to college savings accounts. The idea is that every time they check out a book from the library or participate in an early literacy library event, the library will donate two cents to an interest-accruing college fund. Additionally, the swipes will earn parents discounts at area restaurants and grocery stores.
The program has received pledged funding from several sources, and plans to continue to apply for additional funding. The libraries have also partnered with Eastern Oregon University professors to develop an assessment tool to determine the correlation between early child development and library use. This is the first time I have heard of a program like this, and it seems like a great way to try to get children in the library and help promote early literacy. Check out the blog post and my comment here, and for more background on this program go here.
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