A child's first years lay the groundwork for future success. Idaho's libraries are a great place to start on the road to lifelong learning. Help libraries and community partners across the state establish ongoing partnerships to encourage family reading. We want to reach all parents and caregivers in Idaho with children from birth to age eight, with an emphasis on reaching at-risk families, fathers, and childcare providers. Audiences include teen parents, parents who speak English as a second language, and parents with incomes below the poverty line.
Local libraries involve community partners to help with outreach efforts.
The State Library works with statewide partners to raise awareness about the importance of the early years through media campaigns, presentations, a traveling display on brain development, a variety of support materials, and through the Read to Me website. The State Library provides training for librarians and other early childhood professionals about emergent literacy, collaboration and program implementation. The State Library partners with Idaho Public Television and local libraries to reach hundreds of additional children through the First Book Project. Funding provides one book per month for 12 months, allowing at-risk children to start a home library. Librarians do monthly book activities and get the children signed up for library cards.