Read to Me

Providing information, training, technical assistance, and resources for Idaho libraries and their community partners.

Our vision is for all parents and caregivers to nurture their children's early literacy skills and for all children to develop as independent readers and become lifelong learners.

Outreach Opportunities For Libraries

Read to Me consists of a variety of programs so each library can choose those that best match its community’s needs and resources.

Outreach is an important component of RTM, and each program requires the local library to partner with at least one other community organization.

Resources		Jumpstart Kindergarten Registration
	Read to Me's public awareness efforts encompass a wide variety of materials and dissemination methods to reach families across Idaho with information about early literacy and library resources. Outreach materials are available for free to Idaho library staff by using our online ORDER FORM. Additional resources can be found on our Resource Page.		Librarians encourage parents of children registering for kindergarten to “Get a Jump Start on Reading @ Your Library.” Participating librarians provide early literacy information and a free book to each child and his/her family during kindergarten registration.

First Book		Summer Reading
	The program provides a book a month for a year for each participating child, workshops for their families, and library cards and contact with librarians for at-risk children.		Summer Reading is the most popular library literacy program. Kids enjoy special programs and reading adventures, and at the same time keep their reading skills sharp for the coming school year.

Mini Grants		Family Reading Week
	State dollars establish literacy outreach mini-grants for public libraries to work with community partners, in order to implement best practices in library service to children.		An annual statewide celebration of family reading as a great family activity. Local libraries plan a variety of events to reinforce the fun and value of reading.

Every Child Ready to Read		Idaho Child Care Reads
	Every Child Ready to Read Family Workshops is a program that involves young children (ages birth to 6) and their parents/caregivers in learning the early literacy skills that help to prepare children for reading success in school.		Librarians host early literacy workshops for child care providers. The Commission provides children’s books and a professional development book to those who complete a workshop.