NEWS RELEASE
March 16, 2009
For more information contact:
Jennifer Denham
United Way of Central Florida
(863) 648-1500, Ext. 257
SUCCESS BY 6 PARENT LENDING LIBRARIES REACH READING MILESTONE
Highland City, Fl - United Way’s Parent Lending Library program reached a major milestone at the end of January 2009. A total of 106,510 books have been checked out of the Lending Libraries since the programs inception in 2005. There are currently 112 locations throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.
The libraries are being established throughout the tri-county area to encourage parents to read with their children. 38% of the children entering Polk County kindergartens in 2008 did not have the skills they needed to succeed in school. The program encourages parents to read to their children and promotes the early literacy skills that prepare children to enter school ready to succeed.
Parents who read just 15 minutes a day with their child will help their child be four times more successful when entering school. Reading to children is the most effective way of introducing skills that form the foundation for academic success.
Companies or individuals can sponsor a Lending Library in childcare sites or for employees at business locations. For more information about Lending Libraries, contact Coleen Pizzuti at 863-648-1500 ext. 248 or colleen.pizzuti@uwcf.org.
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