WFSU-TV expands successful Library Corner initiative

WFSU is one of over 30 PBS stations expanding the PBS KIDS Raising Readers Library Corners program in local libraries across the country. The Library Corners are designed to give children, ages 2 to 8, the opportunity to strengthen their literacy skills through free, fun activities at their local public or school library.

“Research shows that providing PBS KIDS Raising Readers high-quality, media-rich educational materials to young children can play a key role in their development of important literacy skills,” said Patrick Keating, General Manager of WFSU. “By expanding the number of PBS KIDS Raising Readers Library Corners in our community we’re able to also expand the reach and impact of these invaluable resources.”

Twenty markets across the country, including the Tallahassee area piloted the PBS KIDS Raising Readers Library Corners project last year. This year’s expansion of the project broadens its reach to over 30 stations, and over 200 libraries nationwide, including elementary school libraries. County libraries included in last year’s launch were LeRoy Collins Leon County Library and the Gadsden County Library.

As part of the initiative, each Library Corner is equipped with an array of multimedia resources including 26 interactive reading activities and a corresponding DVD. The activities and clips were developed and taken from research-based PBS KIDS Raising Readers early childhood literacy television programming including SESAME STREET; WORDWORLD; SUPER WHY!; BETWEEN THE LIONS; MARTHA SPEAKS and THE ELECTRIC COMPANY. Additionally, kids and parents are encouraged to supplement their efforts with online activities at PBS KIDS Island (found at ReadyToLearnReading.org), a Web site with games designed to help preschool-age kids master literacy skills at eight different levels.

Additional resources include engaging media-rich activities that range from librarian-led activities to self-directed games and content for kids. All of these materials were created using a literacy framework based on National Reading Panel of 2000 recommendations and encompass skills such as letter recognition, print awareness and vocabulary instruction.

The library corner has provided our students the opportunity to explore reading not only through print material but also digitally. The games are fun, and the kids love to get on the computers in PBS KIDS Island and do the activities. Thanks to WFSU we are providing our students with essential skills for the 21st century,” said Pam Monroe, Media Specialist at Sabal Palm Elementary.

The Library Corners are equipped with flexible visual materials that feature friendly and beloved PBS characters and also offer a welcoming setting where children can play literacy games on a computer, read a book or watch an educational and interactive DVD. Additionally, libraries receive ongoing implementation and support from WFSU throughout the school year.

The PBS KIDS Raising Readers Library Corners are provided to communities through PBS KIDS Raising Readers, a national initiative using the power of media to help improve the reading skills of young children, with an emphasis on children from low-income families. The effort is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education, part of a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), PBS and The Ready To Learn Partnership.