STATEMENT OF PATRICIA A. TUMULTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
NEW JERSEY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGARDING ABBOTT PRESCHOOL ISSUES

SERVICES TO INFANTS AND TODDLERS EVERY CHILD READY TO READ@YOUR LIBRARY

As librarians we are committed to providing literacy opportunities to all - even the youngest child in our public libraries. The American Library Association has compiled extensive research on the topic of early childhood literacy and its implication for library services. The research found that the importance of literacy cannot be overstated. And literacy experiences cannot start too soon. This research has led to an initiative called “Every Child Ready to Read@Your Library. Learning to read is a complex process that takes years to achieve. The Every Child Ready to Read program has identified specific reading readiness strategies which should begin when a child is still an infant or toddler. Laying the foundation for literacy is not something that can wait. By the time a child is 3 or 4 they may already be lagging in reading readiness. Emergent literacy refers to the reading readiness skills which must be acquired by a child before they can begin to read. Library reading programs for infants and toddlers are an essential component in the critical foundation of literacy. Unfortunately, many parents and caregivers do not have the skills necessary to assist their children in gaining literacy proficiency. The “Every Child Ready to Read @Your Library” initiative also provides training that helps adults learn necessary techniques to assist a young child with reading readiness.

The New Jersey Library Association believes that every public library should have funding to provide the Every Child Ready to Read@Your Library initiative. This is particularly imperative for our Abbott communities. By developing this initiative in every public library in Abbott school districts, these communities would be providing critical reading readiness opportunities to children at the earliest ages where research has demonstrated it is most critical. Unfortunately, by the time a child is three or four years old many opportunities for cognitive development have already been missed. The library community believes this program must be provided at all public libraries in Abbott school districts with state funding. The Every Child Ready to Read program must be an educational component in every Abbott school district.

LIBRARY SERVICES TO ABBOTT PRESCHOOLS

The development of preschool services in Abbott school districts is a significant educational development in New Jersey. Unfortunately, many of the new preschools do not have adequate resources to fulfill this mission. This is particularly true with regards to reading materials. Most preschools do not have adequate collections of books or educational materials. These children often come from immigrant backgrounds where books are a luxury.

Many of these preschools in the Abbott districts are now asking public libraries to provide them with collections of books for their students. Unfortunately, the public libraries simply can not meet the demand. In addition, many preschools are visiting the local public library on a regular schedule requiring additional storyhours and programming which puts increased demands on the public library staff. Most public libraries are extremely willing to partner with local preschools to provide these services. Unfortunately, the purchase of additional materials and the utilization of staff come directly from the public library’s budget. The public libraries in Abbott districts must be viewed as essential partners in providing educational services to Abbott preschoolers and be given funding to carry out this mission. Unfortunately, direct state aid to public libraries is less than a $1.00 per capita. This level of funding makes it difficult to buy books at the dollar store. It makes purchasing quality picture books almost impossible.

We believe that public libraries must be viewed as essential educational partners in all school districts. The role of the public library is even more critical in Abbott districts. It is essential that Abbott school districts develop, implement and fund a preschool literacy plan with their local public library. This plan would ensure that all preschoolers (even the youngest) and their parents and caregivers are provided with essential reading readiness programs and services which are the critical foundation to educational success.