Thing 2, part 2

I wanted to add one more topic to my Thing 2 discussion. I know that this program is about technology, so maybe it isn't relevant, but I strongly believe that children's services are also a critical part of the library's future.

I listened to a show on MPR recently about a program at the Harlem Children's Zone called Baby College. I can't remember any of the quoted statistics right now, but the research is clear that success in life begins early. Children who hear more words, who are read to on a regular basis, and who have a nurturing environment are more successful. Kids who enter school at a disadvantage have a nearly impossible time catching up to their peers. I think the library could become a strong partner in the pursuit of literacy for all children. I'm not sure that we are doing enough right now. Storytime is a great start and recently we've started incorporating some early literacy information for parents, but maybe that's just preaching to the choir. I think some type of early literacy outreach programming should be high on our priority list.