Raise a Reader: Celebrating Early Literacy
Jefferson County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) puts on a signature event every September called Raise a Reader (RAR). The program provides kids ages 0-5 with fun and easy ways to get ready to read while supporting parents and caregivers with tools and resources for building literacy skills. It culminates in a festival filled with free activities at the Colorado Railroad Museum (CRRM) in Golden, Colorado.
Challenge/Opportunity
According to data from the Colorado Department of Education, test scores and grade point averages of elementary students in Jefferson County have yet to reach pre-2020 levels, notably in the Language Arts category. Furthermore, English Language Learners score even lower. The purpose of this program is to show parents and caregivers how easy it is to promote early literacy in children ages 0-5 and provide them with tools to get started.
In previous years, each of the 10 JCPL locations was responsible for putting on their own RAR festival. This created logistical challenges and was very labor-intensive for JCPL staff. Furthermore, they were in competition with the multitude of fall events happening in and around Jefferson County, which was limiting overall program participation. While moving the event to a single festival at the CRRM drew in greater participation, it also created transportation barriers for families who lived further away from it.
Key Elements of Innovation
• Children enrolled in RAR received free books available in English and Spanish which were traditionally distributed at the festival. In 2024, copies of the books were also made available at each library location to ensure easy access.
• JCPL debuted a sensory-friendly space at the festival in 2024 complete with low lighting, quiet seating and sensory kits under advisement from the Autism Society of Colorado. This space also included a private chest feeding area.
• A resource fair was added to the festival, including partners from Jeffco Public Health, Family Connects Colorado, HIPPY, Safe Care, Jefferson County Childcare Association and Autism Society of Colorado.
• To further integrate RAR in the community, StoryWalk® installations were placed around the County through the month of September to encourage reading, talking, playing, exercise and family bonding.
Achieved Outcomes
The RAR program and festival helps prepare kids for kindergarten by giving them the necessary skills to learn how to read. Furthermore, it provides parents and caregivers with the tools and support they need to foster these skills. A survey conducted after the event showed that:
• 88% learned something they can share with their children
• 81% felt more confident helping their children learn
• 87% were more aware of resources and services provided by JCPL
Respondents also expressed gratitude for the free books and goals that felt achievable for their households to promote early literacy. They also expressed gratitude for the resource fair, where they were given access to other ways to support their early readers.
