New Initiative Launched to Help Hispanic Kids Read

February 22, 2008
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Dane County Set to Improve Literacy in Low Income Areas (Madison)…A new grant will help Dane County link at-risk Hispanic children with books and other educational tools to help them learn how to read. The Dane County Library Service will use a state/federal grant of $10,000 to improve the literacy of Hispanic kids in economically challenged areas, primarily focused on the Southdale Neighborhood on Madison’s south-side. “All kids need the opportunity to pick up a book and curl up on the couch with their parents or siblings and read,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “I’m so pleased these new dollars will get books into the hands of kids and help get them the educational start in life they deserve.” The Dane County Library Service, along with the Madison Public Library, Dane County’s Joining Forces for Families and the Partners in Parenting Resource Centers will use the grant to promote early literacy. They’ll offer “Every Child Ready to Read Workshops” in the Southdale neighborhood and play activities that help children learn to read through hands on activities and games. The grant will also help promote library use and get kids involved in summer reading programs. The 2008 Dane County budget includes over $4-million in funding for the Dane County Library Service. # # #