PA One Book Every Young Child Kick Off

Two librarians from Franklin County Library System attended the kick off event of the 2011 Pennsylvania One Book Every Young Child program in the Capital Rotunda in Harrisburg last Tuesday, March 29. Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett spoke about the importance of reading to young children and her support for the program.

Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen Swinburne is the featured book for 2011. Thousands of copies of the book are being distributed for free throughout the state to preschoolers through libraries, Head Start, and childcare centers. Your local public library also has copies to borrow, in case your child is too old to receive a free copy or does not get one before supplies run out. Preschoolers already participating in public library programs should ask for a free copy at their Franklin County Library System branch. Free copies will also be given out (while supplies last) at special partnership events this spring and summer. The library system also has a "traveling trunk" of activities connected with the themes of the book, provided by the state. It is available through the Bookmobile/Outreach Department (717-264-9863 x202) to preschool educators, by reservation only.

Steve Swinburne taught those in attendance at the kick off a new song called "Whose Shoes Will You Wear?" He autographed books for state legislators and others present. Deputy Secretary of Education for Commonwealth Libraries M. Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Public Welfare and Education for Office of Child Development and Early Learning Todd Klink, and Verizon Pennsylvania President Gale Y. Given also spoke briefly.

Grants from Verizon Pennsylvania and the Library Services and Technology Act supported this project at a state level. Locally grants from Rutters Farm Stores and M & T Bank supported the purchase of books to be distributed to children through the library outlets.