San Diego, CA–The San Diego Public Library launched a new program on January 18 to support early literacy development and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Children under the age of 5 can sign up for My First Library Card, a special library card designed just for them.
“We know that reading to children at a young age improves their future literacy,” said Library Director Misty Jones. ”The My First Library Card program builds on that knowledge by introducing children to the library at an early age and setting them up to be readers for life.“
My First Library Card features a mascot Odi the Coyote reading in front of a stack of books. To get a card, children and their parents or guardians can visit any San Diego Public Library location offering services. When they enroll in the program, kids will receive the library card, an opportunity to take their picture in front of an Odi frame, and, while supplies last, a copy of the Odi’s Library Daybook and an Odi stuffed animal.
While at the library, children can also sign up for the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The program encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books before children start school. Reading can be tracked online or on paper reading logs and children earn prizes along the way.
For more information on My First Library Card and available library services, visit the library https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/.
