Accomplishment in Process

1
Accomplishment in Process Strengthening
Children's Literacy through Library Services and
Community Advocacy Partners Colorado State
Library, Jefferson County Public Libraries,
Public Library Association, Lafayette Public
Library, Arapahoe Library District, Mesa County
Public Library District, Basalt Regional Library
District, Pikes Peak Library District, Denver
Public Library, Southern Peaks Public Library,
Douglas County Libraries, Westminster Public
Library, Estes Park Public Library, Marks
Information Services, Fort Collins Regional
Library District, Association for Library Service
to Children, High Plains Library District

• Background
• Every Child Ready to Read - a nation-wide early
  literacy program for parents and caregivers of
  children from birth to five years old.
• Early literacy programs exist in some, but not
  all, libraries in Colorado.
• Development of standardized program to deliver
  children's early literacy training statewide.
• Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL)
  promotes early literacy through advocacy and
  training.

• Impact
• Strengthen children's literacy through a
  combination of library services and community
  advocacy.
• New website launched in September 2008 at
  www.clel.org shares resources and programs with
  libraries, families and community agencies
  including early childhood councils, child care
  providers and government officials.
• CLEL Steering Committee which includes childrens
  staff from 13 different Colorado library
  jurisdictions serves as an advisory group to the
  Colorado State Library.

• Next Steps
• Grant from the Federal Library Service and
  Technology Act (LSTA) will provide funding for
  the following
• The early literacy program - Enhancing Colorado
  Library Story Times Early Literacy Skills and
  Messages will be implemented in 10 public
  libraries who do not currently have the program.
• Trainers will provide resources, training, and
  personal support to librarians and staff.
• Advocacy group will network with more statewide
  organizations and government agencies to foster
  early literacy in the State of Colorado.