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SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY |
Related pagesSan Juan Island Library Web site Previous columnsCreating Digital Access in a Digital World |
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Early Learning at the Library
A child's most important brain development occurs before age five. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers need to be read to, talked to, sung to, played with, and loved. Rich experiences really do produce rich brains. Numerous studies show benefits of quality Early Learning to include:
These and other benefits show dollar for dollar early learning is one of the best investment we can make as a society. This information was highlighted at a recent San Juan County Early Learning Leadership Luncheon hosted by the San Juan County Early Learning Consortium of which I am a part. The focus of the luncheon was to connect child service providers with our business community and build a new partnership supporting early learning. It was wonderful to see momentum gathering and awareness raised. Here at the library we already support early learning in a number of what we consider basic ways: storytimes, books and resources for children and parents, reading lists, summer reading, a children's area in the library, a full-time children's librarian. Our services are free to all and bridge economic and social divides. But we know there's much more work to be done. Earlier this year our library joined the Washington State Public Library Partnership to help ensure our children's early learning needs are being met. Working with the Foundation for Early Learning we are advancing early learning by advocating and sharing our expertise and experience with people at all levels. I'm proud to be a part of this effort and already seeing results from the partnership. As part of a report on the economic impact of early learning US Representative Steve Bartlett wrote, "Economic analyses have helped policy makers distinguish pre-kindergarten as a sound public investment strategy that yields impressive fiscal returns, reduces spending on crime and remedial and special education, generates increases tax revenues, and improves short- and long-term outcomes for children, families, and communities." One of the most powerful statements the presenters at the luncheon impressed on the crowd is that is it our moral obligation to see to the early learning needs of our children. I know this to be true. "It is not whether we can afford to invest; it is whether we can afford not to invest." - Brad Butler, former CEO of Proctor and Gamble Have a happy and safe 4th of July and be sure to look for us at the parade!
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