Early this morning I got up in the Philadelphia cold to attend the Leadership and ALSC meeting. The speaker, Dr. Donna Celano, spoke about research she had conducted which clearly shows how a child’s environment influences reading abilities and overall knowledge gain. With a colleague, Dr. Celano conducted research in two very different neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Based on this research, Dr. Celano offered an eye-opening presentation about how crucial our country’s public libraries are in helping kids — particularly those in lower socio-economic neighborhoods — to succeed and thrive. Libraries are the “safety net” for many kids; particularly low-income children.
This is an important topic to learn about, talk about, think about, and act upon. You can read more about this research here in a Fall 2012 American Educator article. I am so glad ALSC offered an opportunity to hear this thought-provoking speaker. I absolutely intend to put my hands on a copy of the book, published by Teacher’s College Press, which Dr. Celano co-wrote with Susan B. Neuman.