One Book 4 Colorado is the result of collaboration between Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia’s office, Reach Out and Read Colorado, Colorado State Library, public libraries, the private sector, and the foundation and nonprofit communities. It is modeled after the successful Preschool One Book, One Denver program which was originated by the Denver Preschool Program and presented by Denver Public Library, Arts and Venues Denver, and Reach Out and Read Colorado. Both programs are premised on the idea that providing young children with access to quality books promotes early literacy and helps families serve as their children’s first and most important teachers.
Office of Lt. Governor Joe Garcia
Lt. Governor Joe Garcia’s early literacy focus stems from his efforts to ensure every Colorado child is reading on grade level by the end of third grade. During his tenure in office, his goal is to draw public attention to the critical importance of early learning and to launch numerous efforts that will put Colorado’s children on a path to reading success. One Book 4 Colorado is part of Colorado Reads: The Early Literacy Initiative, the state’s new plan to help ensure every child in Colorado learns to read. The plan and more information about the Lt. Governor’s initiatives can be found on his website.
About Reach Out and Read Colorado
Reach Out and Read Colorado is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. The more than 84,000 children served annually by Reach Out and Read Colorado read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed, with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and a six-month developmental edge over their peers. For more information and ways to get involved or donate, please visit the website or call 303-623-3800.
About Preschool One Book, One Denver
The Denver Preschool Program, in collaboration with Reach out and Read Colorado, The Denver Public Library, and Arts and Venues Denver, is hosting the 4th annual Preschool One Book, One Denver in 2012. Preschool One Book, One Denver is a city-wide book club for young children, which celebrates and highlights the importance of early literacy. Please visit the program’s website for more information.
About Denver Preschool Program
The Denver Preschool Program is the result of a voter approved initiative to provide tuition credits for parents and quality improvement resources to preschools. The Denver Preschool Program is open and voluntary for all Denver children the year before they are eligible for kindergarten. A Denver family may use the tuition credit with any preschool provider who is licensed by the state and enrolled with the Denver Preschool Program, regardless of where that preschool is located. The program’s website offers more information.
About Colorado State Library
The Colorado State Library, a division of the Colorado Department of Education, provides leadership and expertise in developing library-related policies, activities, and services for school, public, academic, and special libraries. Through an advisory board, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy and public libraries, the State Library promotes early literacy to parents, children, and child care providers throughout Colorado. Please visit the website to learn more.
Founded in 1889, the Denver Public Library (DPL) is a vital community resource—free and open to all. With 24 locations, the Library connects Denver residents to information, ideas and experiences that enrich their lives and strengthens our community. The Library plays an important role in advancing reading and literacy from birth through adulthood and is a key link in developing a knowledgeable, productive workforce and fostering economic development. www.denverlibrary.org.
About Colorado’s Public Libraries
Public libraries throughout Colorado provide a wide range of free services to their communities. With 252 library locations across the state, there’s bound to be a location near you. Visit your public library often to use a computer with internet access; borrow books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, and more; attend fun programs; meet people from your community; enjoy learning, no matter what your age; and much more. Well over half of Coloradoans have a library card; you can get one too, for free! Visit this directory to find a library near you.
Junior League of Denver
The Junior League of Denver, Incorporated (founded in 1918), is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Junior League of Denver strives to change lives through literacy in the Denver metro area by providing the tools for a better future.
Mile High United Way Women’s Leadership Council
Mile High United Way Women’s Leadership is dedicated to inspiring, encouraging and equipping women to become agents of change in our community through philanthropy and leadership. The Council announces its steadfast support and participation in early literacy partnerships with the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, local organizations, communities, families, parents, and teachers working to improve early grade literacy rates in Colorado. In 2012 we will undertake an ambitious effort to reach out to service and community organizations, business groups, and women’s networks to raise awareness about actions people can take to make a difference for all of our children.
Private Sector and Foundation Community
Many generous supporters made One Book 4 Colorado possible. The project partners are grateful for their assistance. See the Sponsors page for a complete list of supporters.