Sterling Public Library Taking Part In One Book 4 Colorado, Giving Free Books to 4 Year Olds

***Sterling Public Library Press Release***

Sterling Public Library is promoting early reading by providing a free new book to every four year old in Sterling as a part of the statewide One Book 4 Colorado.  One Book 4 Colorado is a statewide initiative aiming to support family reading at home and instill a love of learning in Colorado youngsters.

“One Book 4 Colorado puts books in the hands of children and a joy of reading in their ears,” said Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia.  “Teaching children to read is a family, school and community responsibility.  We are grateful to the many organizations coming together in communities across the state to help Colorado’s children succeed.”

Sterling Public Library will kickoff the project with an Open House on April 19^th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The library will provide an activity for children of all ages.  Refreshments will be served.  Families with four-year-olds can pick up a copy of the book in either English or Spanish. 

Those not attending the Open House may pick up their book between April 19 and April 29, 2012.  Library hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Sterling Public Library encourages you to bring the whole family to the library.  There are books and media for everyone to borrow.  A library card can be obtained with ID showing your current address and the first card for each person in the family is free.

One Book 4 Colorado is the result of a collaboration between Reach Out and Read Colorado, Colorado State Library, public libraries, the private sector and the foundation community.  It is modeled after the successful Preschool One Book One Denver program originated by the Denver Preschool Program.

More than 70,000 copies of the same book will be distributed to children across Colorado at local public library events and at Reach Out and Read clinics and doctors’ offices.  The book is available in both English and Spanish and will be accessible to children with special needs.  The statewide book distribution and family support events will take place April 18 – 29. 

Sterling Public Library hopes all 4 year olds will visit the library to receive their book during this time.  Reading together helps kids develop a love of reading and become better readers and students.  For more information about One Book 4 Colorado, visit http://www.onebook4colorado.org.