HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-mail from Dr Lisa Ott - Library Storytime Sweeney, Kathleen
From: Ott, Lisa <lsott@csuchico.edu>
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 12-112 PM
To, Sweeney, Kathleen
Subject: Library Storytime
To Butte County Supervisors:
I have been bringing my sons to the Chico branch library for storytimes,since my first son was six months old. He is
now five, and our second son has been coming to storytime with us since he was two weeks old. We were
devastated to hear that funding for these programs was being curtailed. The Baby,Toddler, and Pre-School
storytimes are the kind of quality pre-school education that is so touted in the current educational circles. The
librarians and their assistants unfailing provide a positive, encouraging,fun learning environment which is central to
our children's early childhood education. This learning environment doubtlessly provides a framework for these
children upon their transition to school. Their attendance at these programs can consequently set them up for
success in years to come. As a free program, this impact is particularly important for lower-income families who do
not have access to other high-quality preschool education opportunities.
Storytime is always well-attended. There are generally between 15-30 children at each session, and sometimes many
more than that. For the cost of the program,this is a high-impact practice. Curtailing funding to only allow for one
storytime requires that all children attend one session—it becomes far too crowded and noisy for the librarians and
other staff to manage effectively. The children suffer from this, as they cannot hear the story, do not feel included,
and do not receive the individual attention they were receiving at smaller storytime sessions. There are not enough
tables to accommodate all the kids who would like to do the craft. The positive impacts of storytime are severely
impacted by this transition.
As an educator, I implore you to restore funding to this crucial resource which has lasting positive effects on the
Chico youth and, consequently,the Chico community. Invest in the future. Invest in our children.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa S Ott
Associate Professor of Chemistry
California State University, Chico
.........