The Wichita Public Library is engaging young readers through the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers program using a selected children's book. The month-long event promotes reading to children statewide from birth through age five.
Parents, librarians, and others who care for children are encouraged to share this year's book, "Bear Sees Colors," by Karma Wilson. The book will also be incorporated into various weekly storytimes at five library locations.
Wichita Public Library's Stephanie Huff says it's a great way to get pre-schoolers to start identifying words as well as colors.
"[It] bridges that gap of something they are able to identify with the colors and getting them to now identify letters maybe for the first time," she says. "Maybe they are very young and this is that gateway to them starting to be able to get the skills they need to read."
The Wichita Public Library will take the program to thousands of preschoolers at 65 schools and early childhood facilities across the city. An outreach librarian and her team will provide instruction for caregivers of young children on how to use the book and enhance early literacy skills.
The library will host a kick-off event tomorrow at Evergreen Branch Library.
