We at Lincoln Library care for all our patrons! Whether it is hooking them up with a book they want to read or a movie they want to see, we try our best. If they need copies made, faxes sent, or something laminated, we are there for them. We are happy to help those in school in any way we can; tell us your need.

Then there is the young group, the preschoolers. It is an age group we get attached to pretty quickly! We see them a lot through the summer reading program, and then we have our regulars for Story Hour! We love to see them walk through our door. The first five years are so important in a child’s life. Here are some facts that don’t really need any further explanation.

1. Reading aloud to your child is one of the most important things you can do to promote his or her future reading ability.
2. Reading to young children will extend their attention spans.
3. Reading aloud to children aids in language development.
4. As you read aloud, it builds listening skills and the power of the child’s imagination is strengthened.
5. Reading aloud helps build a child’s comprehension.
6. Reading together encourages a thirst for knowledge.
7. A range of books teaches children about different topics.
8. Reading together helps to create a bond.
9. Many studies show that students who love learning and do well in school were exposed to reading before preschool.
10. Reading to children calms them, especially when he or she is fretful and restless.

There are so many more reasons to read to your child and they are all important. We at Lincoln Library want to provide as much encouragement and resources as possible. With this in mind, we are in the process of establishing two early literacy programs in Barber County, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

As we get closer to the implementation of these programs, we will be posting details on Facebook, information in The Gyp Hill Premiere and reaching out to schools and churches in Barber County to involve as many preschoolers as possible in these excellent programs.