Library event brings parents, kids together to enjoy booksDesert Sun: August 26, 2003 Xochitl Pena
INDIO - With 24 percent of adults in California functioning at the lowest literacy level, reading advocates say it is important to have programs that help instill a love of reading.
At the Indio Library, that is what Victoria Jimenez is trying to do through Family Storytime.
The program runs every other Monday and is intended to instill an enjoyment of reading in parents and their children.
Parents learn techniques on how to read to their children, and children have fun being read to and making crafts.
"It's really important that the families get involved so they can take the experience back home with them," Jimenez said. "The way I engage (children) in the book is what we want parents to experience, so when they sit down and read with their child they can engage their child as well."
Family Storytime will run through December.
Monday's event revolved around a back-to-school theme.
Every child received a free book.
The group talked about going back to school to get the kids excited about staring the new school year.
The next story time will be Sept. 8.
During each event, Jimenez reads about 2 to 3 books, uses finger puppets and ends the evening with crafts.
"I make it really fun, we joke a lot ... but nonetheless it's a learning experience," she said.
Donna McCune, the Indio Library branch manager, said she loves what Jimenez is doing with the program.
"She's been doing a wonderful job. It's been terrific, there has been an increase in the youth coming and using the facility," she said.
The Family Storytime program was made possible through a Families for Literacy grant through the California State Library.
Jimenez runs similar programs in Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms and Mecca.
Her Indio program attracts between 40 to 50 parents and children each night.
Children attending range from toddlers to teenagers, she said.
Jimenez encourages parents participating in the Adult Literacy Program to participate in the Family Storytime nights as well.
"The whole family is the focus because we want to break the cycle of illiteracy," she said
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