The Toronto Public Library is helping Ontario toddlers take their first steps towards becoming life-long readers.
Last week the Library announced the release of Let's Get Ready for Reading, a new literacy guide that combines activities for kids with practical tips for educators and care givers. Touted as unique research-based resource, Let’s Get Ready For Reading brings together the expertise of Toronto's librarians with that of other literacy experts.
And thanks to a number of funding partners--the Toronto Public Library Foundation, the J.P. Bickell Foundation, the Rotary Club of Toronto as well as an anonymous donor--the Library is able to distribute tens-of-thousands of free copies of resource all across the province.
Already available to browse or borrow at all Toronto public library locations, the guide will soon be distributed to the province’s kindergarten classrooms, Ontario Early Year Centers, city-funded literacy centers, licensed daycares, as well as every library branch across the province.
And, thanks to a partnership with Toronto Public Health, the Library will also be giving copies to families with young children via programming for new parents.
"Toronto Public Library is proud of this one-of-a-kind resource, and we are thrilled to be able to put it into the hands of so many parents, caregivers, educators and librarians across the city and province," said city librarian Jane Pyper at the March 26th press conference at the Cedarbrae branch in Scarborough.
The booklet is the latest addition to the Library's
Ready for Reading Series aimed at getting kids under 5-years-old excited about reading. The series includes story time programs at Toronto Library branches as well as online activities, book lists, and tips for caregivers.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: Toronto Public Library