One of the largest obstacles to literacy is a lack of access to books. While many families bring their children to the library, many do not. Vulnerable families may have difficulty getting to the library regularly, and worry about returning books on time or paying fines (though we are pleased to note that the Ottawa Public Library eliminated late fees in 2021). In some Ottawa neighbourhoods, schools are unable to schedule class visits to the public library due to lack of volunteer or staff resources.
Even if families are able to visit the library, it is still important for children to own books. Studies have shown that parents read more to their children when there are always books at home. Increased exposure to books improves early literacy skills, school readiness, and academic performance . Young children love to read the same books over and over again, and this repetition helps them internalize the patterns of language. All this is made possible when there are books consistently in the home. However, books are expensive. Statistics from the United Way show that 25% of children in Ottawa live in poverty. Twice Upon a Time helps these families give their children a rich literacy environment at home.
Literacy matters
Book ownership is crucial
Free book programs work
References
Cairney, Trevor. “Why kids re-read books”. Literacy, families and learning. 14 Feb 2010. Web. 4 Jan 2014.
Clark, Christina and Lizzie Poulton. Book ownership and its relation to reading enjoyment, attitudes, behaviour and attainment: Some findings from the National Literacy Trust first annual survey.London: National Literacy Trust, 2011. Web. 4 Jan 2014.
“Dolly’s Imagination Library- Research”. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Dollywood Foundation, n.d. Web. 4 Jan 2014.
Grady, Wayne. “The Importance of early childhood literacy”. The National Reading Campaign. 15 Sept 2011.Web. 4 Jan 2014.
Neuman, Susan B., and David K. Dickinson, eds.Handbook of Early LiteracyResearch. Vol 2. New York: Guilford, 2006. 31-32. Print.
Parent Resource Centre. “Community Profiles”. Parent Resource Centre. 3 Dec 2010. Web. 4 Jan 201.
People for Education. “Reading enjoyment on the decline in Ontario schools”. People for Education. 2 Jan 2012. Web. 4 Jan 2014.
Sanders LM, TD Gershon, LC Huffman, and FS Mendoza. “Prescribing Books for Immigrant Children: A Pilot Study to Promote Emergent Literacy Among the Children of Hispanic Immigrants. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2000;154(8):771-777. doi:10.1001/archpedi.154.8.771.
Weaving, Harriet and Rose Cook. Evaluation of Booktime in England 2012-2013. Slough, Berkshire: National Foundation for Educational Research, 2013. Web. 4 Jan 2014.