Written by
Lynne Valencia
DENVER - You can help select the winning book for this year's Preschool One Book, One Denver program! Go to www.denvergov.org/docahttp:// to vote on one of three books. Voters will see and hear celebrities reading the books on video at the Preschool One Book, One Denver website www.denvergov.org/docahttp://. Online voting begins January 15 and concludes January 30, 2012.
Preschool One Book, One Denver is designed to cultivate a love for reading with young children. The Denver Preschool Program is partnering with the Denver Public Library, Reach Out and Read Colorado and Arts & Venues Denver to present the 2012 book club.
Preschool One Book, One Denver events are scheduled to launch on April 18 when the winning book will be revealed. The program will culminate on April 28, 2012. The winning book will be read in both English and Spanish at premium venues across the city by local celebrities and politicians, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Governor John Hickenlooper, Lt. Governor Garcia, local athletes and media representatives. Additional readings will be held in all Denver Public Libraries, Reach Out and Read Colorado Clinics, Denver preschools and other community partners.
The Denver Preschool Program is the result of a voter-approved initiative to provide tuition credits for parents, and quality improvement resources to preschools. By making preschool more affordable and equipping parents with tools that help them navigate the enrollment process, DPP provides Denver youth with the opportunity for success. Tuition reimbursements provided by DPP have supported more than 20,000 children in attending preschool in the Denver area since DPP's program inception in 2007.
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. In 2010, the Denver Public Library welcomed over 4 million visitors, circulated 9 million items, and had 40 million online transactions.
Reach Out and Read Colorado prepares Colorado's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read's evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the 6-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Families served by Reach Out and Read Colorado, read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve their potential. In Colorado, over 82,000 children and their families participate through 178 doctors' offices.
Arts & Venues Denver was created through a 2011 merger between the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Denver's Division of Theatres and Arenas. The City's Arts & Venues division enhances Denver's quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, artwork, and entertainment opportunities.
For more information visit the Preschool One Book, One Denver website listed above, or contact Eileen Piper of the Denver Preschool Program at 720-287-5055.
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