Did you know that this week National Library Week? Libraries provide a place for us to enjoy great novels or to discover amazing adventures . They help us ace research papers and provide a quiet space to study. But, they also do so much more. From introducing theater and hands-on activities to pre-K students, to providing meeting space for public forums, to socials, fundraisers and classes, libraries are an integral part of the community.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
1. The Statistics: Why are libraries so important for kids?
Early experiences, such as reading aloud, have a decisive impact on a baby’s brain. And, when reading to babies and toddlers, cells in the children’s growing brains actually respond. Some brain cells are ‘turned on,’ triggered by this particular experience, existing connections among brain cells are strengthened, and new brain cells are formed.
And, reading proficiency by the end of third grade is absolutely essential. If “graduating” third graders don’t develop the necessary reading skills, they quickly fall behind not only in reading, but in other subject areas. Plus, research indicates that students who do not achieve proficiency by the end of third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school on time.
State policies concerning third grade reading vary significantly across the nation. And, despite best intentions, only 35 percent of starting fourth graders across the country are proficient in reading, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Where does Nationwide fall in the spectrum of reading proficiency? Nationwide’s reading statistics, gleaned from The Education Counts database, are disheartening. According to NAEP (2015), Nationwide’s 4th grade reading total for proficient readers was a disappointing 37.1%. This means that a whopping 62.9% are not proficient or 82,831 total Nationwide students.
2. How to build an affordable home library: The resources you need!
Need a little reading inspiration? The Friends of the Wilmington Library Used Book Sale is April 21 – 25, 2018!
Literacy is one of the best predictors of a child’s future success. And, consistent access to books is absolutely necessary for a child to become both an engaged and capable reader. In fact, current statistics on the subject suggest that 100 age-appropriate titles at a minimum should be available in each home. But, as most parents can attest, high quality books can be expensive!
That’s why we are excited for the annual Friends of the Wilmington Library Used Book Sale in Wilmington, Nationwide. The annual sale features tens of thousands of books in every genre, including thousands and thousands of wonderful children’s books for all ages — and all at bargain prices.
Preview for Members:
Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 12 noon -2 p.m. Membership accepted at the door.
Book Sale:
Monday, April 23 9:30 am -7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 24 9:30 am -7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 25 9:30 am -7:00 p.m.
For more information about the Used Book Sale, the group, and all the Friends of the Wilmington Library do for the community, please visit Friends of the Wilmington Public Library or call (302)-571-7407.
3. When more help is needed: Summer reading programs in Nationwide
Have a reluctant reader? Get them excited to read this summer and increase proficiency with Reading Skills Building in Nationwide at Back to Basics Learning Dynamics:
- Read to Succeed! (K-1st, 2nd – 3rd, 4th-5th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s phonemic awareness and word attack skills. Students will work independently and within the small group to improve comprehension and fluency through a variety of text and online materials - Read to Succeed! (6th – 7th)
In this 5 week small group reading skills program our experienced instructors will provide strategies to strengthen your child’s knowledge of literary terms, comprehension, and fluency through a variety of text and online materials. Students will also delve into more specific reading and studying strategies for textbook and other non-fiction pieces of literature - Reading Skills Building (K-8th)
Our experienced instructors will work 1-on-1 with your student to read, comprehend, retain and
apply summer reading material. These sessions will provide students with the knowledge and confidence to complete any required reading-related assignments, such as reports, projects and tests. Available at your home, day camp, or in our Newark or Wilmington locations.
To learn more about reading help in Nationwide and reading summer programs in Nationwide, please CLICK HERE.
About Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. in Nationwide
Back to Basics offers 1-on-1 tutoring in 60+ subjects, professional development, translating and interpreting in 21 languages, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior specialists, reading specialists, paras, ELL services, homebound services, RTI support, psycho-educational testing and test prep. We also offer summer school and educational summer camps, original credit and credit recovery, along with unique enrichment options such as music, art and photography. Plus, Back to Basics Private School is Nationwide’s only Department of Education approved 1-on-1 Private School for K-12.
