Iowa Public Television

In an effort to increase literacy among Latino families with children ages 0-5, this month Iowa Public Television, the Iowa Department of Education, and the State Library of Iowa will begin offering family book clubs with hands-on activities in 13 targeted counties in Iowa.

The book clubs, which will take place in Allamakee, Buena Vista, Clarke, Crawford, Dallas, Franklin, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Wapello, Woodbury, and Wright counties, are designed to increase family engagement in literacy activities, the use of public libraries, and an awareness of adult literacy/adult education opportunities in Iowa.

The events, which will take place in the targeted counties between now and October 2008, will connect librarians, children’s resource programs, and adult literacy/adult education resources to bring literacy programs to Latino families with young children in Iowa.

The initiative, called Family Literacy for New Iowans, is funded by a Partnership for a Nation of Learners Community Collaboration Grant. The grant for $226,583 was awarded to the three partners by the Institute for Museums and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Partnership for a Nation of Learners is a Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Institute of Museum and Library Services leadership initiative – museums, libraries, and public broadcasters joining forces, creating value.