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BOOKS FOR KIDS DEDICATES LIZ QUINLAN LIBRARY AT BROOKLYN'S COOPER PARK CHILD CARE CENTER

--Grant from New York State Attorney General Funds 500-Volume Collection for Children in Need-

NEW YORK, June 24, 2002-The Books for Kids Foundation has created the 500-volume Liz Quinlan Memorial Library at the Cooper Park Child Care Center at 292 Frost Street in Williamsburg (Brooklyn). Financing for the library came from a multi-year grant funded by a court-approved settlement distribution plan developed by the Office of the New York State Attorney. A ribbon-cutting will take place on Monday, July 1 at 9:30 a.m.

To serve the 52 pre-school children from low-income families who attend the center each day, the library offers a diverse collection of new, top-quality, age-appropriate children's books with themes ranging from letters, numbers and colors to mulitculturalism and common life experiences. Character books, fairy tales and folk tales are also included. A listening center with a cassette player for books on tapes, posters, a rocking chair, puppets and parenting resource information make the library a comprehensive literacy center. Books for Kids has dedicated the facility to the late Liz Quinlan, who served as the Foundation's beloved Executive Director from 1996-2001.

"By creating a warm, welcoming place that exposes these young children to books and reading, we hope to foster positive early literacy experiences that will give the children an equal place at life's starting line," said Marion Sullivan, Executive Director of the Books for Kids Foundation.

"The ultimate goal is to use books to help pre-school children develop communication skills, literacy and a lifetime love of the printed word," said Charlotte Striggles, Director of the Cooper Park Child Care Center.

Cooper Park Child Care Center is managed by Sheltering Arms Children's Services and serves a population that is primarily African-American and Hispanic. Families must meet certain eligibility requirements for their children to participate in the center's programs.

Earlier this year, Books for Kids established a similar library at the Anthony Abbene Early Childhood Learning Academy managed by the Cypress Hills Child Care Corporation at 108 Pine Street in Brooklyn. That facility was dedicated on April 26, 2002.

The Books for Kids Foundation promotes literacy among all children, with special emphasis on disadvantaged children and youth. Books for Kids donates books, creates libraries and participates in reading initiatives within community-based organizations, social service agencies, schools and under-served institutions. Since its founding in 1986, Books for Kids has put more than 5 million books valued at $11 million into the hands of children who might not otherwise have access to them.

CONTACT: MARY ANNE MYERS 212-689-6854 mamedit@aol.com

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Leonard Marcus Joins BFK's Advisory Committee

Leonard S. Marcus, one of the children's book world's most respected and versatile writers, historian, and critic, joined the Books for Kids Advisory Committee in December 2001.

Mr. Marcus's highly acclaimed books about children's literature and the authors and artists who create them include: Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon; Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom; A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal; The Making of Goodnight Moon; and 75 Years of Children's Book Week Posters. His other children's books include: Lifelines: A Poetry Anthology Patterned on the Stages of Life; Mother Goose's Little Misfortunes; and Petrouchka: A Ballet Cut-Out Book.

Leonard reviews children's books monthly for Parenting magazine as well as for other major national publications, television programs and radio shows. He also organizes exhibitions of children's books and frequently speaks to parents groups and other organizations on subjects related to children's literature.

A native of Mount Vernon, NY, who now lives with his family in Brooklyn, Leonard holds degrees in history from Yale and poetry from the University of Iowa's Graduate Writers' Workshop. For more information, visit www.leonardmarcus.com.

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Library Evaluation Shapes Future Plans

Books for Kids has undertaken a comprehensive study combining interviews, site visits and focus groups to measure the impact of its existing libraries on the children and communities they serve.

Top-line survey results, based on contact with 20 ongoing libraries, show that the facilities have succeeded in their mission to motivate an appreciation for books and reading among children.  Interviewees expressed an interest in additional literacy training, obtaining additional books and taking advantage of new Books for Kids programs.  Several cited problems with lost and worn-out books, as well as the need for more volunteers and greater parent involvement in literacy efforts.  As a follow up to the survey, BFK will sponsor group meetings for agency directors to brainstorm ideas for bringing parents into the program and maintaining better control of the books in lending-library situations.

Using the data and insight gained through this process, BFK can enhance its services to existing sites and establish channels for constructive, ongoing dialogue with its constituents.  The results will also help shape the strategy for new libraries, including those developed with funds from the New York State Attorney General’s grant.

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The Books for Kids Foundation hosts Read Alouds for New York Children

Books for Kids was founded fifteen years ago with the goal of promoting literacy among all children with special emphasis on disadvantaged children and youth. With this in mind, Books for Kids celebrated its 15th anniversary by hosting Read Alouds at two library sites: Virginia Day Nursery on the Lower East Side, and Concerned Parents of Jamaica Day Care Center in Queens. The literacy events featured children's author and illustrator Michael Rex who read from several of his works, including My Fire Engine. Rex also created one of his famous firefighter illustrations for the children to enjoy.

Local firefighters joined in the fun and offered important fire safety reminders. The firefighter's uniforms and equipment intrigued the children who eagerly practiced their safety drills such as the Stop, Drop and Role exercise. And, each child received their very own copy of My Fire Engine, thanks to a generous donation by Scholastic Books.

The engaged and enthusiastic audience response was a touching reminder of how a book can inspire a young mind and heart.

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