Tim Keyes and Jennifer Hicks were recently appointed to the Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees.

By Amy Mann

WCPL Children’s Department

WARSAW — The word “literacy” is thrown around by educated people the world over.

What is literacy and why is it important? Is it something that impacts the children in our community?

Traditionally, literacy is considered the ability to read and write. The modern term’s meaning has expanded to include the ability to use language, numbers, and other tools to move in and around a culture. To be a literate person, an individual needs to understand spoken words and to decode written words.

Reading development skills include hearing differences in speech sounds, seeing patterns in written words, and understanding the meaning of those words. To become a proficient reader, a student must master vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. These are all things we can assist our patrons with at Warsaw Community Public Library.

Over the summer, our reading initiative, “Libraries Rock!”, encouraged our young patrons to do the five activities promoted by “Every Child Ready To Read.” This is an initiative by the Association of Library Service to Children, and the Public Library Association (PLA). These activities sound simple and they are, but they prepare children for reading proficiency and for success throughout their lives.

What are these magical activities? The are talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. Children learn by hearing. They also learn by doing. Interaction with parents, caregivers, family members, and other people in their lives is an important way for children to become literate.

Reading with the children in your lives can impact who they will become. How can we help? Stop by the Children’s Department and we can assist you with books, activities, and other children for your young ones to learn beside.

Our easy readers have colored stickers, and we can guide your beginning readers to books they will enjoy. What interests them? Is there a subject they would like to explore? We have non-fiction books as well as fiction, both familiar and new. We can also help you find books at specific reading levels.

School is beginning and learning continues for our young patrons. Let us help you expand their world with books.