Reading to kids is multiply beneficial

It was years ago. My boys were little, but I still remember the play date at a McDonald's Playland.

"Have you seen the new 'Charlotte's Web' video?" asked one mom.

No one in the group had seen it, and we were fascinated as she gave us a recap.

Most of the moms had read the book when they were children. Sadly, none had read it to their own children, but all were anxious to buy the video.

I recently spoke with youth service librarian Joanne Zillman from the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., regarding the importance of reading to children.

She relayed many of the reasons that parents should read to their children

It gives your child the opportunity to create images in his own mind of the story that spills forth from the page. Reading aloud helps your child to develop language skills, and imparts the important concept of associating letters and words for early literacy.

Reading to your child encourages her to find the value in books. It can instill a lifelong love of books.

I know parents are busy. Most families have two parents who work, and then they come home to deal with household chores and parenting.

Still, it is very important to take the time to read.

To get parents and children reading early, the library has a "baby bag" program.

"Each bag includes 'The 10 Read Aloud Commandments,'" said Zillman. "The bag also contains 'Baby's First Library Card,' a special card that allows a young mom the opportunity to visit the youth services area of the library and find age-appropriate books. After four visits the baby gets to pick out a small board book (to keep)."

The bags also include information about the library and its programs, such as baby storytime.

The library staff and board are looking into ways to expand the program. They hope to incorporate the program "Born To Read" in the near future.

"Board member Maureen Jakubowski, who is a teacher at Louise White (elementary school), has really been instrumental in moving this program forward," said Zillman. "She has been the one responsible for putting it into the strategic plan."

"Born to Read" identifies new moms in the community, and then offers them a book bag that includes "The Read-Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease. The bag also includes popular board books.

The library is just beginning to study this program and will investigate ways to pay for it.

"It is our goal that every new mom in Batavia will get one of these bags," said Zillman.

It's great to know that library staff and board members are working together for the benefit of our community, especially those who are so young.

Why not plan to stop in the library the week of April 13, National Library Week, to thank all those who serve our community by helping with our youth?

Give an extra pat on the back to those who help out at the research desk. A smile and thanks will be greatly appreciated at the check-out desk.

Grab a cup of coffee at the 10 South Coffeehouse and -- if it's a nice day -- enjoy it outside.

Take time to smell the roses, and take time to read aloud to your child.