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WILLIAMS continued from Front Page

  These early language experiences are beneficial. "Brain Development in Young Children," the White House Conference on Early Childhood Development, extols the importance of reading aloud to infants and emphasizes what we have thought all along -- that early experiences indeed have a decisive impact on the development of a baby's brain.
   While a student at Wayne State University studying child development, I recall all the studies that documented the gains afforded to babies who were read to as infants.  These early experiences with language in the form of books are as important as the safety precautions parents take in properly securing their children in child safety seats or providing nutritional meals.
   Reading does indeed influence all areas of child development. Everything your child will accomplish in life will ultimately depend on the ability to read and understand.
   Give your child a head start by reading aloud to your child from birth. The investment you make now will pay huge dividends in the future educational efforts of your child.
   Set aside time each day to read aloud to your child.  Allow your child to manipulate the pages of the book, thus tuning their fine motor skills.  Introduce your child to the story times available at your local public library, from "lap-sits" to toddler programs.

  Make books available to your child at home, and most importantly, set an example by allowing your child to see you reading, thus helping to establish an interest in reading.
  If we want our children to grow up reading and to value the importance of books, it is incumbent upon every parent to do everything possible to instill the virtue of reading to your child, and to do so as early as possible in the life of your child.
    "Join the Winners Circle -- Read" is the theme for the Summer Reading Programs developed in the Wayne Country libraries this year.  Each of the 14 member libraries will engage in a six-week program designed to promote and encourage reading. There are incentives in the form of prizes and giveaways, and exciting entertainers each week.
   This is the perfect opportunity to continue to promote reading to your children. Check out the specific offerings in our member libraries listed below. Registration has begun, so give your local library a call and register your child in one of the programs.
bulletAllen Park Public Library, 1-313-381-2425.
bulletFred C. Fischer Library, Belleville, 1-734-699-3291.
bulletCaroline Kennedy Library, Dearborn Heights, 1-313-277-7762. l
bulletJohn F. Kennedy Library, Dearborn Heights, 1-313-277-7764. Ecorse

Public Library, 1-313-389-2030.
bulletLeanna Hicks Library, Inkster 1-313-563-2822.
bulletLincoln Park Public Library, 1-313-381-0374.
bulletRiver Rouge Public Library, 1-313-843-2040.
bulletRomulus Public Library, 1-734-942-7589.
bulletSouthgate Veteran's Memorial Library, 1-734-258-3002.
bulletTaylor Community Library, 1-734-287-4840.
bulletTrenton Veteran's Memorial Library, 1-734-676-9773.
bulletWayne County Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1-734-727-7300.
    The programs are geared to a variety of age groups, from preschool to teens. Don't forget to inquire about story times provided throughout the year.  Take advantage of the offerings at your local public library.  Reading is indeed FUNdamental!
    Reginald Williams is a Wayne County librarian and member of the steering committee for The Library Network.  He has a bachelor of science degree with a major in child development and a master of science degree in library science, both from Wayne State University.

Volume 1, Issue 5

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