Parents
You can combat childhood illiteracy! Engage with your 0 to 3 year old children every day, face-to-face. Did you know, only half of parents read to their kids daily and less than 10 percent read to their children in infancy? Developing and nurturing your children’s learning experiences supports healthy brain function that sets them up for later success in school and life. Get the entire family involved in daily interactions, including older siblings.
How to read to a baby!
Helpful Links:
+ United Way of Siouxland Imagination Library
As simple as it sounds, reading regularly with your child(ren) during their preschool years gives them the biggest boost toward a successful education they will ever get. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will help you read with your child. This United Way of Siouxland funded initiative works to make sure children in Siouxland have books of their own. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. He/she can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures until he/she turns five years old as long as you remain a resident of Siouxland.
Register your child HERE.
Who is Eligible?
Preschool children from birth to age five.
What Are My Responsibilities?
- Be a resident of Siouxland (live within a 40 mile radius of Sioux City) or be a resident of the Le Mars area United Way
- Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by parent or guardian
- Notify United Way of Siouxland any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form
- Read with your child
When Will I Receive Books?
Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of Siouxland.
Questions? Email United Way of Siouxland here.
+ Little Free Libraries
The Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission oversees several Little Free Libraries throughout the community:
- Bishop Heelan High School Pre-K Room, 1021 Douglas
- Book People, 2923 Hamilton Blvd
- Bush Dry Cleaners & Laundry, 1415 Morningside Avenue
- Jitters, 306 Virginia
- LaunchPad Children's Museum, 623 Pearl
- Mercy Medical Center, 800 5th Street
- Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska Street
- Sioux City Community School District, 627 4th Street
- Sioux City Journal, 515 Pavonia
- Sioux City Police Department, 601 Douglas
The Sioux City Housing Authority also began a Little Free Library in July 2017, taking up the challenge to increase reading proficiency, create a book rich environment, and improve the overall academic achievement of children in low-income families in Sioux City. Since 2017, over 5,500 books have been donated, primarily through youth book drives and service projects.
Little Free Library.org
Discover additional Little Free Libraries throughout the community and around the world.