They began by distributing packets to preschoolers in health clinic waiting rooms, and later expanded to social services centers, shelters, housing developments, and day care centers. Its Roving Reader Project sends readers to day care centers twice a week to share stories and enthusiasm for reading. School and public libraries are joining together to offer special programs for students who are most at risk of dropping out before graduation. In addition to literacy programs, libraries are offering programs that address self-esteem and ethnic pride, motivation, thinking and study skills, and development of interests. Programs have featured African-American writers, Hispanic crafts, and other topics.
Students continue to visit the library after attending special programs.
With the quantity of information doubling every few years, students cannot be expected to memorize all the facts about a given subject. Instead, students must develop their ability to think and to learn independently. School libraries can be instrumental in teaching students how to find and process information using technology as a tool. By providing equitable access to information, libraries can help students to make responsible decisions and to become productive citizens. Research shows that students perform better on tests of research skills and comprehension skills when they have access to a good library media center and a professional library media specialist.