New collection from Great Start--Early Childhood Resource Library

The name Great Start started popping up around Michigan on billboards last spring, I think.  So what is Great Start?  Many things!  It is a state-wide program to create bridges between all the different agencies that serve young children.  In the words of their Director, Kathi Lammi:

"We are working to enhance existing early childhood collaboration and coordination, engage all stakeholders in the planning implementation and coordination of services to promote community awareness of early childhood issues, and help advocate for quality early childhood programs and services. Our vision: a Great Start for every child in Marquette and Alger counties; safe, healthy and eager to succeed in their education and in life."

So what does this all have to do with the library and reading?  Peter White Public Library is happily housing Great Start's new Early Childhood Resource Library.  This collection of children's books, parenting books, teaching books, games, puzzles, puppets, DVDs and music Cd's are all available to our patrons for checkout. 

As a parent, every time a cart of newly catalogued items for this collection comes out of Technical Services, it feels like Christmas in the Library. 

Let me tell you about just one of my favorite items.  Manners Time, by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, is one of the most perfect board books I have ever.  The writing is clear, the pictures are engaging and in a large enough format to share with a small group, and it is fun.  Not only does this book clearly explain, in language your very young child can understand, a concept that is probably pretty important to you that they get, Manners Time makes it fun.  I am not kidding, but when I brought this book home, my child wanted me to read it to her.  And then asked for it again. 

To help celebrate and introduce this new collection, the Library and Great Start are hosting an open house on Thursday, October 15 in the Youth Services Department from 5:00-7:00 pm, refreshments will be served.

EM, Reference Departmet