Role of Libraries

Librarians were asked to elaborate on the greatest benefits that summer reading
programs provide children. Although nearly all replied that these programs encourage
children to “read more,” “develop the reading habit,” or “learn to love reading,” many
librarians dug a bit deeper and offered additional thoughts.
Many librarians recounted special events that inspired children to explore the
mechanics or topic featured in more depth. “For example,” one wrote, “kids have taken
out books on puppetry, ventriloquism, and animals [following special events on these
topics]. Some have found that stories opened their eyes to new cultures and countries.
After a session about how illustrators work and then another from an illustrator, some
budding artists tried their hands at illustration.”
Others claimed that summer reading programs underscore the need for the printed
word. “In this video generation,” explained another librarian, “we work hard to keep
books and the written word in front of kids. For example, all winter a mother came in
with her child and they took out videos—never any books because the mother thought
they were old-fashioned. When we began to display the mini- and grand prizes this
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The Role of Public Libraries in Children’s Literacy Development, Celano and Neuman p. 24