The Tulsa Library Trust recently received a $2,000 grant from Target continuing its support of the family literacy project “Every Child Ready to Read,” formerly known as “Read to Me, I’ll Read to You,” offered by Tulsa City-County Library’s Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service.
“We are thrilled to have Target’s continued support of this project,” said Shawna Smith, family literacy specialist. “Starting at birth, children need caring adults reading aloud to them as frequently as possible so that they will be ready to read when they start school.”
Through the project, Smith conducts workshops for parents of infants through early primary years. Parents who attend a workshop receive printed information on the importance of reading to children, tips and techniques to help make reading aloud fun and educational, and new age-appropriate paperback books to take home and read aloud with their children. She offers the workshops at preschools, day cares and other organized parent groups.
This grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Whether helping kids with reading, making art available to all or offering emergency aid during times of crisis, Target demonstrates its commitment to serving the community by giving more than $3 million a week. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism nationally and in local communities.
Organizations that are interested in the “Every Child Ready to Read” workshop can call Smith at 918-549-7403 to schedule a workshop at their location.