Friday, February 4, 2011

Public Library

One of my favorite T.V. shows when I was little was Happy Days.  I particularly loved the character of the Fonz.   In one episode the Fonz gets a library card.   After this show aired, there was a huge national increase in the number of people visiting public libraries and the number of new library cards that were issued.   This was also a time when people in the country had ten or less T.V. channels and cable television was rare. 

Recently, I came across an interesting study reported by the BBC.   (The link below can bring you to the article.)    The article stated that,  “Children who use their local public library are twice as likely to be above average readers.”  

The article further went on to state, "Family engagement is well understood as a key element in supporting educational achievement, and it seems that public library use, as well as being associated with similar positive child outcomes to school library use, has in addition a particularly specialized correlation with family support for reading.”

It has been my experience that my children love to go our public library.  The children’s room is a fun, exciting and safe environment.   The best part is that it is free.  If you are feeling a little “cabin fever” from all this snow the library is a great place to visit.   We might not have the Fonz to encourage us but this research is compelling.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12366478

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