The Children's Library Outreach program is very effective in introducing 4 year olds to reading and in maintaining their excitement with the wonderful world of books throughout the school year.  The children come to enjoy the many facets of reading a book by stirring their imagination, thinking skills, increased vocabulary and general knowledge.

For many children, owning a book of their own is a first.  Their sense of responsibility is evident as they describe where they keep their books and how many times they have it read to them.

One parent stated that when her child came home with a book, she was eager to share the story together.  The child was able to recall the story as read by the storyteller.  The parent noted this was a confidence builder for her child as she approaches the age to begin to learn to read. 

A Hispanic child entered pre-K knowing little to no English. She learned English from her teachers and by interacting with her classmates.  By the end of pre-K, she was writing her name, excelling beyond the other children in all basic skills, and translating for her parents.

The importance of the children receiving a personal copy of a book cannot be stressed enough.  For some children, they have never "turned the pages" in a book on their own.  The storyteller hands out the books to each child and the book is read together as a class.  The first few times this is done can be crazy and wonderful at the same time!  As the children learn to turn pages from left to right, to listen carefully to instructions, and play a part in the presentation of the story, the thrill of reading comes alive in the classroom.  They cannot wait to see what new books will be presented on the next visit!