The Champaign Public Library’s new early literacy initiative has caught the attention of a number of organizations. Recently, Champaign West Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club of Champaign-Urbana made gifts in support of the program and Rotary members helped prepare Ready Set Read! bags to be distributed this fall and spring.
Each bag has items that parents can use to help their child develop early reading skills plus incentives for visiting the library. This spring 1,400 bags were distributed to parents at the Unit 4 Early Childhood Center, Champaign Head Start, and to parents of children entering Kindergarten.
The library’s program is made possible with private funding, including donations from individuals, Target, and Champaign Unit 4 School District.