In the LA Times, there is a fantastic article about the importance of reading to children at home.  It is important that we realize that it is not economic status that impacts children’s literacy but the number of books they are read to at home. 

The best part of the article is its call to action.  How do we as caring adults, involved citizens and librarians get our communities investing in literacy, educating parents and really addressing this monumental issue?  Well, it can’t be to sit in our comfortable offices and work cubicles and moan about it.  We have to be out working with Headstart children, WIC families, and visiting those areas of our community where we worry about safety.  If children live there, then we can venture there. 

This doesn’t speak to the larger issue of parents modeling reading to their children.  It’s not enough to read books to children at bedtime and spend the rest of the evening in front of the TV.  What are you telling children is important then?  What are you saying about reading as an adult?  As parents, we need to model the joy of reading, especially fathers.

Perhaps literacy starts at home, but action starts with us.  We need to broadcast our message, model what needs to be done, and embrace those in need in our community.  What else are we here for as libraries?