When: Oct. 6
What: It’s fairly easy to access free books with libraries serving as a staple in communities. Libraries provide people of all ages a place to peruse a wide selection of titles, as well as offer activities for children, a quiet place for students to study and a non-Internet alternative to information gathering. Celebrate the organization that supports our libraries by observing the founding of the American Library Association on Oct. 6 this year.
Background: The American Library Association was founded in 1876 to promote the profession of librarianship and grant access to all who seek information. The association has been running strong since those days and continues to advocate for libraries and their employees. Its goal is to provide lending support, while promoting literacy and reading.
Story Pitch: A number of groups and organizations can pitch around the founding of the American Library Association. Start with libraries. Public libraries can celebrate the founding of the organization by encouraging readers of all ages to come out and get a library card. They may also offer educational classes on how to use the library card, as well as the many other resources the library has to offer. In addition, elementary schools will want to take advantage of the celebration by urging students to pick up a book and read. They may offer incentives for the most books read or the most hours spent reading. Colleges and universities may also use the month to promote their well-stocked library resources. Meanwhile, authors and writers can promote their titles at local libraries and urge citizens to visit one of their community’s greatest resources.
Story Hook: According to the International Reading Association, children who watch four or more hours of TV a day spend less time on school work and have poorer reading skills. Consider the following when you make your pitch:
- How many hours a day should children spend reading for fun?
- How can children get their own library cards?
- In what ways can teachers encourage students to read more?
- How can college professors and higher educators encourage students to use the library as a valuable resource for research?
Tips: A librarian could offer great tips on how to successfully navigate the library. In addition, a family that goes to the library frequently may have insight on encouraging reading.
Resources:
American Library Association
(312) 944-6780
ala(at)ala.org
www.ala.org
International Dyslexia Association
(410) 296-0232
www.interdys.org
International Reading Association
(302) 731-1600
pubinfo(at)reading.org
www.reading.org
Reading is Fundamental
(202) 536-3400
contactus(at)rif.org
www.rif.org
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events
