[OPLINLIST] Headstart Reauthorization

[Ruth Metcalf]

HELLO OHIO CHILDREN'S LIBRARIANS:

Below is an important request for information from the Association for
Library Service To Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library
Association. The National Headstart program is up for reauthorization
and  ALSC needs your help to show how you have partnered with this
group. Please respond as soon as possible to the person listed in the
message below. 

Thanks in advance for your help!

Ruth A. Metcalf
Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio
Library Development
274 East First Avenue,Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614-644-6910
Fax:     614-728-2788
http://winslo.state.oh.us
"The State Library of Ohio provides services and resources to assist
state government and libraries in providing the best service to all"

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The ALA Washington Office is partnering with members of ALSC to help get
the word out about the value of services provided by public libraries to
children, families and caregivers.  

If you recall, last year we made an effort to collect stories about
relationships between public libraries and Head Start during the
reauthorization of Head Start.

Discussions about Head Start have resumed and we are asking ALSC Members
to help by submitting stories about collaboration between the public
library and Head Start.  

Our Washington lobbyists need to let Congress know the role that public
libraries play in developing early literacy and school readiness skills.
Showcase what you do in your library by sending a short description to
Melanie Anderson (manderson at alawash.org) ASAP. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE
THE NAME OF YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS along with your information. There
is a Senate hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 28 so if you can
get some stories in by the end of the day on Monday, February 26, it
would be very helpful. Please continue to send stories after that time
because your information will be useful for future hearings. 

In addition to Head Start, public libraries offer a variety of emergent
literacy programs to children, families and caregivers.  2007 is the
time to invite local, state, and national officials to attend and
participate in your library programs.  Your elected officials need to
know about the value that's provided for the local community.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

Kathleen Horning
ALSC President
kthorning at education.wisc.edu

Melanie Anderson
Assistant Director
Office of Government Relations, Washington Office
manderson at alawash.org

Bessie Condos
Chair, ALSC Legislation Committee
bcondos at library.ca.gov