4/7/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor highlights importance of reading to young children as part of early childhood development
INDIANAPOLIS - This week, young children across Indianapolis have been able to pick up the phone and listen to Watty Piper’s famous story, The Little Engine that Could, read by Mayor Bart Peterson.
The Mayor’s narrative reading is part of the Marion County Public Library’s free "Call a Gigantic Story" program. The goal of call-a-story is to get children interested in books and reading at an early age.
"Reaching out to our young children, getting them engaged at an early age in reading and learning, is absolutely critical to their future growth and development," said Mayor Bart Peterson. " ‘Call a Gigantic Story’ offers the opportunity to get our children interested in these imaginative stories and allows parents to share these books with their kids."
To take part in "Call a Gigantic Story" children and parents can dial 275-4444 any time, day and night. Children can also receive a free copy of the The Little Engine that Could and other children’s books as part of the "Imagination Library." The program promotes childhood literacy by providing free books each month to Marion County children from birth through five-years-old. More information can be found by calling 921-1235 or visiting imcpl.org.
To highlight the importance of early childhood development, the Mayor has also teamed up with Success by 6 and the Indianapolis area chapter of the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children to celebrate "Week of the Young Child." The Mayor issued a proclamation recognizing the annual event that focuses on the needs of young children and their families.
The Mayor called on residents to take the time to reach out to young children both at home and through the many programs and service organizations dedicated to helping young people.
"By working together as a community and making early childhood development a priority, we can ensure the future success of our children and our city, " Peterson said.
For more information on services available to young children and opportunities for volunteer outreach, call Helpline 2-1-1 or visit www.successbysixindy.org.
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