San Antonio Kicks Off Early Literacy Bilingual Program

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by Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 02/09/2009

In an effort to combat the 25 percent illiteracy rate in San Antonio, TX, and to get families involved in early literacy, the San Antonio Public Library has begun a multifaceted bilingual initiative called Leer da Poder (Reading Empowers).

Ruth Chincanchan of San Antonio browses through books at a Scholastic Book Fair at the San Antonio Central Library.
Photo: Scholastic/Robert McLeroy

A key part of the campaign includes Lee y serás® (Read and You Will Be), a free program and curriculum that supports parents before their preschool children enter kindergarten.

Throughout the year, the interactive Lee y serás Scholastic Reading Caravan will make regular stops throughout San Antonio to offer resources, activities, and games to help young children prepare for school.

The project is a collaborative effort with Scholastic. “Without Scholastic we could not maintain such an innovative and widespread outreach project,” says Kaye Lenox of the San Antonio Library Foundation. “Providing the vehicle, the staff, and the supplies would be far beyond the resources of the library or the other literacy organizations in our community.”

A San Antonio mother and daughter take part in building their own book at "Reading Fiesta!."
Photo: Scholastic/Robert McLeroy

Through its book clubs and book fairs, Scholastic will bring additional resources to the community. “The parent-teacher-librarian connection is critical to helping families create good literacy environments at home, in their schools, and in their communities,” says Richard Robinson, Scholastic’s CEO. “Scholastic is proud to have the opportunity to join with the San Antonio Public Library and the community to help all the children of San Antonio become good readers and enthusiastic lifelong learners.”

As part of the program, San Antonio City Council Representatives Justin Rodriguez and John Clamp are spearheading the Be One in a Million campaign to register one million residents for library cards during 2009.

“Libraries are a vital factor in our work to create a more literate San Antonio,” said Rodriguez and Clamp in a joint statement. “When nearly one-third of high school students drop out, we are facing a crisis. One of the most important ways to counteract that loss is to encourage people to educate themselves, and libraries are at the forefront of that effort. We challenge all community leaders to step up to support this important project.”