The Role of Public Libraries in Children's Literacy Development; An Evaluation Report

Celano, Donna and Susan B. Neuman. The Role of Public Libraries in Children's Literacy Development: An Evaluation Report. [.pdf file] Pennsylvania Library Association, 2001.

In this 2001 LSTA-funded report, Drs. Donna Celano and Susan Neuman describe the ways in which public libraries foster literacy skills through summer reading programs and preschool programs. Recent literature they studied showed:

• Libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy, especially among those most needing assistance in developing literacy skills (e.g., preschool and elementary school children).
• Children who have been exposed to library preschool programs showed a greater number of emergent literacy behaviors and pre-reading skills than those in a control group.
• Children who participate in summer reading programs benefit from the many literacy-related activities offered, aiding significantly in literacy development.
• Public Library preschool and summer reading programs encourage children to spend a significant amount of time with books.

The research they conducted of summer reading programs in Philadelphia studied four groups of children with low reading scores who came from low-income working families. Two groups attended summer reading programs; the other two attended day camps. After a few weeks in the programs, the children in the summer reading program read significantly better than those who attended camp. This study also highlighted the following benefits:

• Programs encouraged children to spend increased time with books.
• Public Library reading programs played an important role in the reading achievement of children who lack access to books and other reading materials in their daily lives.
• Literacy-related activities and events enriched reading experiences, encouraging children to read themselves, hear stories read aloud and write about what they'd read.
• Public Library programs encouraged parents to become involved in children's reading.