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Parents and the Library Media Center

The school library media center plays a crucial role in teaching students to read and to practice the skills they need to be information literate.

 These resources can help you, as parents, work in collaboration with your school library media specialist to help your students to become good information consumers.

Join the network of school library media specialists and parents across the state by subscribing to our listserv for Parent Advocates. Go to LISTSERVs sponsored by the University of Kentucky and choose KYPALS - KY Parent Advocates of Libraries(Schools).

How You Can Support Your Child's
Library Media Center

Tips from the American Library Association:

bullet Visit your school library. Is there a qualified librarian available to work with students? Are the books and resources up to date? Children cannot be educated to live and work in the 21st century using resources from the 1970s. Let your principal and school board know of your concerns.
bullet Get to know your school library media specialist. Ask what the needs are and how you can help. Donations of books and equipment such as computers and video players may be welcome. Offer to volunteer your time.
bullet Join the Friends of the Library, a support group of volunteers who provide fundraising and other assistance. If there is no group, offer to start one.
bullet Help your child be school ready. Enroll your preschool child in story hours and other programs at the public library. Make sure your child has a library card and knows how to use it. Read together with your child. Research shows that children who are read to in the home do better in school.
bullet Be a role model. Let your child see you reading at home. Help your child explore new technology. Many school and public libraries make computers available for public use. Feel free to ask for assistance.
bullet Support legislators who support libraries and education. Let them know you think the two go together and should be a high priority.

Internet Resources for Parents and Students to Promote Literacy

bullet 10 Myths of Reading Instruction
bullet America's Literacy Directory
bullet American Library Association's Good Reads for Teens
bullet Born to Read Resources
bullet Book Adventure
bullet Children's Picture Book Database
bullet Education News
bullet Education News Parents Can Use
bullet Education Week
bullet Fast Facts on Literacy
bullet Helping your Child to Read
bullet Hints for Reading Out Loud
bullet How Can I Help My Child Be Ready to Read and Ready to Learn?
bullet Letter P.A.L.S.
ALA
AASL
YALSA
KLA
Kentucky Department of Education
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
KET EncycloMedia
KET
Kentucky Virtual Library
National Board Certification
bullet Mighty Book
bullet Misunderstood Minds - Difficulty with Reading
bullet National Center for Family Literacy
bullet Parenthood.com
bullet Parents' Choice Foundation
bullet PBS Between the Lions
bullet PBS Kids
bullet Reading Pathfinder
bullet Reading Rocket - At Home
bullet Reading Rocket - Launching Young Readers
bullet Serious Play: Reading Poetry with Children
bullet Straight Talk About Reading: How Parents Can Make a Difference During the Early Years
bullet The Children's Literature Web Guide
bullet Tips on Reading with Your Child
bullet U.S.Department of Education - No Child Left Behind
bullet U.S.Department of Education - No Child Left Behind: A Parent's Guide