STORY HOUR IN ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE BAHAMAS

It is not extraordinary in some Caribbean countries or North American countries to see a mother taking her toddler to the library for story hour; or to see a four year old browsing a book store with parents to purchase books; or to see parents with a number of children under the age of five (5) years old consistently dashing off to the Public Library to borrow books on a Friday evening. Books play an integral part of the life style of many persons through out the world and their young children from about toddler stage to average elementary school age. It is anticipated that in the near future the same can be said for Bahamian children within this age group.

Perhaps one reason for young children's lack of passionate love for reading and books is that the majority of adults do not feel that this group is ready for books or reading at this stage. Educators have often said, “We spend the first four years learning to read and the rest of them reading to learn”. Bearing this in mind, we see that reading is a way of humanity’s life. The writer is of the opinion that if we want to change a generation we must first change our lifestyle and subsequently our children would be changed. Hence, to change the culture of our people and make reading a part of our youngest citizen’s life, then we must introduce, The Story Hour in our community centers such as our Public Libraries to allow this group to grow up with a love for reading.

Programme Description and Objectives

General Objective

To introduce reading as a way of life to our youngest citizens and to motivate parents to independently read to their children and guide them in the direction of becoming independent readers thus independent learners through reading.

Specific Objectives

In adhering to the vision of Bahamas Library Service (BLS) to produce an effective library system that incorporates informational and recreational reading, the following objectives would be included: -

1. To encourage all branch Libraries to promote reading in the lives of our youngest patrons.
2. To develop an appreciation of reading in children by the time they enter pre-school.
3. To ensure that branch staff throughout New Providence and the Family Islands would become competent in conducting the programme in all branch libraries implementing the story hour.
4. To provide an atmosphere for stay-at-home parents/guardians and children who cannot afford pre-school to develop a love for reading through the branch library.
5. To reduce the rate of adult illiteracy in the country by introducing reading from the cradle.
6. To encourage parents to make books a part of special events and gifts for Christmas or Birthdays.
7. To stimulate the minds of young children in order to prepare them for the learning process.
8. To develop cognitive skills in young children.
9. To improve verbal language skills in young children.
10. To assist parents with economical difficulties who may lack money and easy access to purchasing children’s books.
11. To provide a safe place where underprivileged children can participate in a reading programme.

It is envisioned that our library system would continue to promote access to information and life-long learning in order to improve economic possibilities. Recognizing our individual strengths, talents and skills and sharing them among colleagues in order to form a network to accomplish the overall vision of Bahamas Library Service.

It is through this kind of networking that would eventually reach our communities to effect positive educational and economical growth for all in our country but especially for those who may not have the skill or the means to be otherwise empowered.

Monique Odigie
Bahamas Library Service

21 March 2005