By Khalida Sarwari
It’s been said that children need to hear a thousand stories read aloud before they begin to learn to read for themselves. To help in that endeavor, the Saratoga Library has launched a campaign to help parents read 1,000 books to their children before their sixth birthday.
Councilwoman Emily Lo, who chairs the Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority, noted that research indicates 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of life. That is why it’s all the more important to instill reading habits during that span.
“These critical first years also create a window of opportunity for parents and communities to help shape how a child’s brain matures, while at the same time laying a solid foundation for learning,” said Lo.
Librarians believe early literacy promotes a stronger relationship between the child and his or her parent or caregiver, enhances speech skills, teaches the basics of how to read a book and helps children develop better communication skills and logical thinking.
To that end, the Saratoga Library will be offering free workshops, concerts and literature spotlighting early childhood literacy. Parents and caregivers will find pamphlets titled “Every Child Ready to Read” and “1,000 Books Before Six” at every library in the Santa Clara County Library District. Both pamphlets offer tips and incentives to encourage reading in young children.
In addition, free logbooks will be given to parents to help keep track and mark off the number of books read, with incentives and prizes awarded as the books are logged. They simply color one circle for each book read and every time 50 books have been read, they’re asked to return the log to the library for a sticker. The 100 and 500 mark come with a special prize, while the 1,000 mark carries a special certificate of completion and a free book.
County librarian Nancy Howe noted that if a parent or caregiver reads three books a day to their child, they will have read 1,095 books by the end of one year.
Patrons will notice a handful of other changes at the district library branches, including displays of classic and new children’s books; “Read with Me” and “Take Home Science” kits; AWE stations, which are all-in-one educational computer stations designed for kids ages 2 to 10; and the promotion of audiobooks and interactive e-books.
Libraries are also offering programming around the campaign, such as storytimes, special events, classes and concerts just for kids. In addition, children’s librarians will be on hand to offer reading recommendations.
The “1,000 Books Before Six” initiative came about as a result of SCCLD’s partnership with First 5 Santa Clara County following the success of the program a few years ago at the Cupertino Library, where it was first introduced. Library patrons found the program so useful, it’s now offered at all libraries in the district.
The program is free and open to anyone interested in participating. Patrons can register at any SCCLD location.
