The Imagination Library for Erie County is funded 100% by United Way of Erie County through local community support.
January 2019
Reading Buddies eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families
Education is the key to ending poverty. And we know that when parents are reading to their children, they are far more likely to succeed in school. And therefore, in life. That’s exactly why United Way is on a mission to get age-appropriate books into their little hands through the Imagination Library. Learn more at UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination
Do you know someone who may want to register a child for United Way's Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share  this link .
Reading Buddies Event set for January 19

Join United Way of Erie County and the Erie Playhouse for  Reading Buddies  on Saturday, January 19 from 10:30am - 12:00pm at United Way offices, 420 West Sixth Street.

Learn helpful, everyday tips for reading with your child! Training for parents and other caring adults will be provided. Activities for kids will be provided by the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre cast of Snow White and the Prince

Join us and receive:
  • FREE tickets to the Erie Playhouse Youtheatre Production of Snow White and the Prince
  • FREE snacks and beverages
  • Each participant will receive a FREE book

SPACE IS LIMITED . Reservations are required.  Reserve your spot
Why Some Children Have Difficulties Learning to Read
Children may struggle with reading for a variety of reasons, including limited experience with books, speech and hearing problems , and poor phonemic awareness .

Good readers are phonemically aware, understand the alphabetic principle, apply these skills in a rapid and fluent manner, possess strong vocabularies and syntactical and grammatical skills, and relate reading to their own experiences.
Difficulties in any of these areas can impede reading development. Further, learning to read begins far before children enter formal schooling. Children who have stimulating literacy experiences from birth onward have an edge in vocabulary development, understanding the goals of reading, and developing an awareness of print and literacy concepts. Read more
Upcoming Events & Storytimes
Tuesday January 8 at 4:30 pm
Read to a Therapy Dog at the Lincoln Community Center
The therapy dogs are gentle, non-intimidating listeners. Reading aloud to a dog has proven to be a useful means of encouragement for reluctant readers!

Monday, January 14 at 10:00 am
Baby Bounce at the Blasco Memorial Library.
This story time is for our littlest library users and includes read-a-long books, songs, bounces, and rhymes. Afterward, enjoy playtime with baby-safe toys.

Thursday,January 17 at 10:00 am
Family Storytime at the Lincoln Community Center Library.
Explore stories at the library! Join us for an interactive story time featuring
books, music, movement, art, and more. Have fun while helping your child
develop early literacy skills.

Thursday January 24 at 10:00 am
Preschool Storytime at Blasco Memorial Library
Explore stories at the library! Join us for an interactive storytime featuring books, music, movement, art projects, and more. Have fun while helping your child get ready to read.

Stay up to date with literacy and story time events at UnitedWayErie.org/ReadingBuddies
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.


Stay Connected!
Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page . Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!


Got photos of your child reading?

Does your child love Imagination Library books?

Just enrolled and received their first book? Just had a fifth birthday and received  Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! and graduation certificate? 

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS via email to  photos@unitedwayerie.org .

Need help? Just dial 2-1-1 . A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential .