March 25, 2003
In an effort to enhance learning in Onondaga County, County Executive Nicholas J. Pirro launched the first program of the Library Outreach Initiative, "Share the Joy of Reading" book distribution program. The program, developed and organized by the Onondaga County Health Department, will distribute free books to families in Onondaga County. The Health Department's Public Health Teams (PHT) will discuss the importance of reading to children even in infancy, distribute free books and applications for library cards and encourage families to become active members of the Onondaga County Public Library System.
The Library Outreach Initiative was created with the mission to improve the reading skills of children in Onondaga County targeting pre-school children. Since its conception, the Library Outreach Initiative has been a collaborative effort between the Onondaga County Executive's Office, the Onondaga County Public Library, the Onondaga County Health Department, the Onondaga County Department of Social Services, and JOBSplus!
To date, Library Outreach Initiative partners have developed the following initiatives. The Department of Social Services has donated books and distributed them to foster care providers. The have also begun including reading/literacy information in foster parent training, recertifications, and other meetings between foster parents. JOBSplus! has purchased books to provide to the young children who visit JOBSplus! JOBSplus! is also developing a Reading Corner for the children who visit JOBSplus! that will be stocked with books. Once the Reading Corner is completed, the staff at JOBSplus! will undertake a series of voluntary reading sessions. They will share information about the libraries, including how to acquire a library card, learn about the branches and member libraries. They have created a “Reading Reward” incentive program provided through its Teen ACE Program. Students, who qualify by submitting a brief application and a short essay about a favorite book, may receive a $20 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The “Developing Hearts Book Sharing Program” video will be screened in the main Reception Area of JOBSplus! on recurring basis.
If your organization has an idea of how to reach the young children in our community and are interested in becoming a partner in the Onondaga County Library Outreach Initiative please contact the Onondaga County Executive's Office.
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