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Prime Time Archives 2006
December 2006
Prime Time Reading Time reveals
real-life issues
 “We
are just like Stellaluna, hanging from our thumbs and eating insects.”
This comment was made in jest by a parent participating in the South Sioux City
Public Library’s fall Prime Time Family Reading Time program, but it points to a
serious similarity between the Hispanic participants and Stellaluna, a young bat
separated from its mother and adopted by a family of birds.
The parents, especially, could identify with the bat trying to mimic the birds.
They likened Stellaluna’s attempts to assimilate into her adopted family to
their own struggle to assimilate into the culture of the United States. “We
don’t want to lose our culture, our identity,” a parent said.
The children had a different take on the story.
They talked about how the baby birds unconditionally accepted Stellaluna and
tried to learn from her. As Stellaluna was learning to eat insects without
making faces, the baby birds were learning to hang by their feet from a branch.
As the story ends, one bird asks, “How can we be so different and feel so much
alike?” Another bird says, “How can we feel so different and be so much alike?”
“But we’re friends,” Stellaluna says. “And that’s a fact.” Friends can learn
from each other, the children said. Cultures can be shared.
This past fall, families from diverse backgrounds gathered at eight Prime Time
sites throughout Nebraska to read award-winning children’s books and discuss
real-life issues they face everyday. Most of the families were Hispanic,
consistent with the Nebraska Humanities Council’s current emphasis for Prime
Time, but some were Sudanese, some Somali, and some Anglo-American.
Some of the families had experienced Prime Time before and were ready to
discuss. Others were unfamiliar with educational programs that value their input
and participation. As the weeks went on, families became more comfortable
sharing their opinions and stories.
One night in Hastings, during the reading of “Calling the Doves,” the story
reminded the discussion leader of her father who had recently passed away. She
handed the book to one of the young girls in the session and left the room.
While the discussion leader was gone, the girl read the story out-loud in
Spanish and helped translate for the English-speaking storyteller.
Although the discussion leader’s reaction was certainly unplanned, it led to
some positive results. By handing the book over, she encouraged and empowered a
child to read and share the story with others. Through her emotions, she
demonstrated the strong connection between reading and real-life issues. Through
sharing and questioning, she and the storyteller led participants in an engaging
discussion of the importance of family and of sharing family stories with
children.
The goals of Prime Time are three-fold: 1) foster a love for reading and
transform children and parents into active readers; 2) help families learn to
identify and discuss real-life issues in the books they read; and 3) introduce
libraries as a safe and important family resource. The Hastings Public Library,
South Sioux City Public Library and the other fall Prime Time sites, regardless
of whether they were located in a library or a school, accomplished all three.
In Crete, after discussing Stellaluna, a boy who had been quiet during
discussion approached a librarian. “Do you have a book about bats?” he asked.
The story had touched him—piqued his interest. He wanted to learn more, and he
knew just who to ask.
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September 2006
Prime Time program returns to Grand Island
Prime
Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy
program for low-literacy, low-income families, will return to Grand Island with
opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking parents and their children.
 Wasmer Elementary School, in partnership with the Grand Island Public Library,
will host the award-winning series on six consecutive Thursday nights from Oct.
12 through Nov. 16. Each program begins with a light dinner and continues with
storytelling and discussion based on award-winning children’s literature.
The
six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with children
ages six to 10. It includes sessions on greed, courage, dreams, determination,
and loyalty. All books are read and discussed in both English and Spanish.
A
discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities. Lisa Brown-Olsen will
return as discussion leader and Joan Gardner will return as storyteller.
Prime
Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It
is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Grand Island Public Library and Wasmer Elementary to continue
offering this exciting family literacy program to the citizens of Grand Island.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, bilingual
Prime Time sessions have been held in Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, and
other Nebraska communities over the last several years. This will be Grand
Island’s second Prime Time, having held their first in the spring of 2006.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored in Nebraska by the NHC, the State of
Nebraska, the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation.
The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment
for the Humanities.
For
more information or to register to participate, contact Merry von Seggern,
program coordinator and children’s librarian, at (308) 385-5333.
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September 2006
Prime Time
literacy program returns to Lincoln
Prime
Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy
program for low-literacy, low-income families, will return to Lincoln with
opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking parents and their children.
The
Eiseley Branch of Lincoln City Libraries will host the award-winning series on
six consecutive Wednesday nights from Oct. 11 through Nov. 15. Each program
begins with a light dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based
on award-winning children’s literature.
The
six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with children
ages six to 10. It includes sessions on dreams, courage, cleverness, fairness,
greed and determination. All books are read and discussed in both English and
Spanish.
A
discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime
Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It
is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with Lincoln City Libraries and the Eiseley Branch to continue offering
this exciting family literacy program to the citizens of Lincoln.”
Initially developed as an English-only program by the Louisiana Endowment for
the Humanities, bilingual Prime Time sessions have been held in Crete, Omaha,
Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and other Nebraska communities over the last several
years. This will be Lincoln’s second bilingual Prime Time, having held their
first in the fall of 2005. Lincoln also was the pilot site for Prime Time in
Nebraska in 2002.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored in Nebraska by the NHC, the State of
Nebraska, the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation.
Other sponsors and donors for Prime Time in Lincoln include the Lincoln Literacy
Council, Lincoln Community Foundation, Target, and Runza. The NHC is a private,
statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For
more information or to register to participate, contact Pat Leach, program
coordinator, at (402) 441-8565.
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September 2006
Prime Time
literacy program returns to Omaha
Prime
Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy
program for low-literacy, low-income families, will return to South Omaha with
opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking parents and their children.
The
South Branch of the Omaha Public Library will host the series on six consecutive
Monday nights from Oct. 16 through Nov. 20. Each program begins with a light
dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based on award-winning
children’s literature.
The
six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with children
ages six to 10. It includes sessions on cleverness, loyalty, fairness, greed,
and dreams. All books are read and discussed in both English and Spanish.
A
discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Joel
Gajardo will return as discussion leader and Linda Garcia, former children’s
librarian for the South Branch, will return as storyteller. Younger siblings can
participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime
Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It
is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with Omaha Public Library’s South Branch to continue offering this
exciting family literacy program to the citizens of Omaha.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, bilingual
Prime Time sessions have been held in Crete, Lincoln, Grand Island, Scottsbluff,
and other Nebraska communities over the last several years. This will be South
Omaha’s sixth Prime Time.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored in Nebraska by the NHC, the State of
Nebraska, the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation.
Funders for Prime Time in South Omaha include Security National Bank of Omaha.
The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment
for the Humanities.
For
more information or to register to participate, contact Norma Pountney, branch
manager, at (402) 444-4850.
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September 2006
Prime Time literacy
program comes to Norfolk
Prime
Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy
program for low-literacy, low-income families, will be presented in Norfolk with
opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking parents and their children.
Grant Elementary School will host the award-winning series on seven consecutive
Thursday nights, Oct. 5 through Nov. 16. The Oct. 19 session will include a
visit to the Norfolk Public Library.
This
series of reading and discussion is designed for families with children ages six
to 10. It includes sessions on determination, greed, cleverness, dreams, and
fairness. All books are read and discussed in both English and Spanish.
A
discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities. Each program begins
with a light dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based on
award-winning children’s literature.
Prime
Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It
is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with Grant Elementary and Norfolk Public Schools to bring this exciting
family literacy program to the citizens of Norfolk.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, South
Sioux City, and other Nebraska communities over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored in Nebraska by the NHC, the State of
Nebraska, the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation.
Donors for Prime Time in Norfolk include The Connie Fund, Elkhorn Valley Bank &
Trust, Read Aloud Norfolk, the Noon Optimist Club of Norfolk and Northeast
Community College Early Childhood Program. The NHC is a private, statewide,
non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For
more information or to register to participate, contact Delva Santee, program
coordinator, at (402) 644-2543.
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August 2006
Prime Time literacy program comes to Hastings
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska
Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income
families, will be presented in Hastings with opportunities for both Spanish- and
English-speaking parents and their children.
The Hastings Public Library will host the award-winning series on six
consecutive Monday nights from Sept. 18 to Oct. 23. Each program begins with a
light dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based on
award-winning children’s literature.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, dreams,
determination, and loyalty. All books are read and discussed in both English and
Spanish.
A discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Hastings Public Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of Hastings.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, and other Nebraska
communities over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation. Local
funders for Prime Time in Hastings include the Dutton Lainson Company, Hastings
Community Foundation, Calvin and Jane Johnson, Heritage Bank, and T-L
Irrigation. The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information or to register to participate contact Linda Rea or Kathy
Schultz at the library, (402) 461-2346.
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August 2006
Prime Time program returns to South Sioux City
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska
Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income
families, will return to South Sioux City with opportunities for both Spanish-
and English-speaking parents and their children.
The South Sioux City Public Library will host the award-winning series on six
consecutive Tuesday nights from Sept. 19 to Oct. 24. Each program begins with a
light dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based on
award-winning children’s literature.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on themes such as fairness, greed,
courage, dreams, cleverness and determination. All books are read and discussed
in both English and Spanish.
A discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the South Sioux City Public Library to continue offering this
exciting family literacy program to the citizens of South Sioux City.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, and other Nebraska
communities over the last several years. This will be South Sioux City’s second
Prime Time program, having held their first in February and March.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation. Funders for
Prime Time in South Sioux City include State Farm Insurance Company. The NHC is
a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
For more information or to register to participate contact Kathy Jacobs, library
director, at (402) 494-7545.
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August 2006
Prime Time literacy program comes to Crete
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska
Humanities Council (NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income
families, will be presented in Crete with opportunities for both Spanish- and
English-speaking parents and their children.
The Crete Public Library will host the award-winning series on six consecutive
Saturday mornings from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. Each program begins with a light
breakfast at Grace United Methodist Church and continues at the library with
storytelling and discussion based on award-winning children’s literature.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages five to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, dreams,
cleverness, and loyalty. All books are read and discussed in both English and
Spanish.
Discussion leader Joel Gajardo and storyteller Ricardo Garcia introduce parents
to the benefits and pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their
children, and a library representative introduces families to library resources
and services. Younger siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Crete Public Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of Crete.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, and other Nebraska
communities over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
the Nebraska Library Commission, and TierOne Charitable Foundation. Local
funders for Prime Time in Crete include Pinnacle Bank. The NHC is a private,
statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information or to register to participate contact Lisa Olivigni,
library director, at (402) 826-3809.
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July 2006
Prime Time program continues statewide expansion
This fall the Nebraska Humanities Council will
bring bilingual Prime Time Family Reading Time programs to eight Nebraska
communities that have increased numbers of Spanish-speaking families.
Prime Time will be offered at the Gibbon Public Library (Thursdays, Aug.
24–Sept. 28), Crete Public Library (Saturdays, Sept. 16–Oct. 21), Hastings
Public Library (Mondays, Sept. 18–Oct. 23), South Sioux City Public Library
(Tuesdays, Sept. 19–Oct. 24), Grant Elementary School in Norfolk (Thursdays,
Oct. 5–Nov. 16), the Eiseley Branch of the Lincoln City Libraries (Wednesdays,
Oct. 11–Nov. 15), Roosevelt Elementary School in Scottsbluff (Mondays, Nov.
6–Dec. 11), and the South Branch of the Omaha Public Libraries.
Prime Time is designed to help low-income, low-literacy families bond through
the act of reading and discussing books. Parents and children gather at the
library once a week for six consecutive weeks to hear award-winning children's
stories and discuss issues such as fairness, greed, courage, and determination.
Younger siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
The ongoing expansion of bilingual Prime Time programs to over a dozen
communities statewide is proving to be a great success from many
perspectives—strong participation by Spanish-speaking families and welcome
participation by non-Spanish speakers; enthusiastic support by local librarians;
and promising results from follow-up surveys. The surveys, completed by each
participating family, measure two of the program’s primary goals: 1) to help
families become more comfortable reading and discussing books together, and 2)
to increase their use of the local library and their awareness of its available
resources.
Another measure of the program’s success is the strong response from
individuals, foundations and businesses in Prime Time communities. “While the
State of Nebraska has provided critical funding for this statewide expansion, it
would be impossible to achieve such success without the generosity of the donors
and volunteers,” said Chris Sommerich, development officer for the Nebraska
Humanities Council.
Dozens of donors throughout the state have provided funding for Prime Time
programs in their area. Many more have helped sites with items such as door
prizes and free or reduced-price dinners for the families. Others have
volunteered their time to help recruit families, help with activities for
pre-school children, and assist fundraising efforts.
In addition to the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska Humanities Council has
received grants from the Nebraska Library Commission and the TierOne Charitable
Foundation for Prime Time.
“The TierOne Charitable Foundation is proud to support the Nebraska Humanities
Council, and we are excited to help bring Prime Time Family Reading Time to
Nebraska communities this Fall,” said Roger Ludemann, TierOne Bank’s executive
vice president. “Prime Time provides unique opportunities for children and
parents to develop and share a love of reading, and we are pleased to assist
this program in its efforts to promote family literacy in Nebraska.”
Visit the Prime Time page at www.nebraskahumanities.org for more details and a
full list of donors.
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April 2006
Prime Time literacy program goes to Columbus
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council
(NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income families, as
presented in Columbus with opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking
parents and their children.
The Columbus Public Library hosted the award-winning series on six consecutive
Tuesday evenings April 25 through May 30.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, courage,
dreams, and determination. All books are read and discussed in both English and
Spanish.
Each program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a light dinner and continues with
storytelling and discussion based on award-winning children’s literature. A
discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services.
Younger siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Columbus Public Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of Columbus.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, Lexington, Grand Island, South
Sioux City and other Nebraska communities over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
and the Nebraska Library Commission. Other sponsors for Prime Time in Columbus
include the Columbus Library Foundation, Columbus Bank and Trust, Runza
Restaurants, Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel-Columbus, and the Cornhusker Goodwill
fund.
The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment
for the Humanities. For more information about Prime Time in Columbus or to
register to participate, call (402) 564-0986.
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March 2006
Prime Time literacy program goes to Grand Island
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council
(NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income families, was
presented in Grand Island with opportunities for both Spanish- and
English-speaking parents and their children.
The Grand Island
Public Library hosted the award-winning series on six consecutive Thursday
evenings April 6 through May 11.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, courage,
cleverness, and determination. All books are read and discussed in both English
and Spanish.
Each program begins with a light dinner and continues with storytelling and
discussion based on award-winning children’s literature. A discussion leader and
a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and pleasures of reading and
discussing stories with their children, and a library representative introduces
families to library resources and services.
Younger siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Grand Island Public Library to bring this exciting family
literacy program to the citizens of Grand Island.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, and other Nebraska communities
over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
and the Nebraska Library Commission. Support in Grand Island comes from
Heartland United Way/Little Diana Funds, Principal Financial Group Foundation,
Swift & Company, Grand Island Community Foundation, the Brian and Carey Hamilton
Family Advised Fund, Wells Fargo, McDonald’s, and a donation in memory of John
Brownell.
The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment
for the Humanities. For more information or to register to participate, contact
site coordinators Merry von Seggern or Patsy Arnold at (308) 385-5333.
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March 2006
Prime Time literacy program goes to South Omaha
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council
(NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income families, was
presented in South Omaha with opportunities for both Spanish- and
English-speaking parents and their children.
The South Branch
of the Omaha Public Library hosted the award-winning series on six consecutive
Monday evenings April 3 through May 8.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on justice, greed, loyalty,
bravery, and dreams for the future. All books are read and discussed in both
English and Spanish.
Each program begins with a light dinner and continues with storytelling and
discussion based on award-winning children’s literature. A discussion leader and
a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and pleasures of reading and
discussing stories with their children, and a library representative introduces
families to library resources and services. Joel Gajardo will participate as
discussion leader and Linda Garcia, former children’s librarian for the South
Branch, will return as storyteller. Younger siblings participate in separate
pre-reading activities.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the South Branch Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of Omaha.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Lexington and other Nebraska communities
over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
and the Nebraska Library Commission, with additional support from Wells Fargo.
Students from the Service Learning Spanish class at the University of Nebraska
at Omaha will assist with the program.
The NHC is a private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment
for the Humanities. For more information or to register to participate, contact
branch manager Norma Pountney at (402) 444-4850.
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February 2006
Prime Time literacy program goes to Lexington
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities
Council (NHC) family literacy program for low-literacy, low-income families, was
presented in Lexington with opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking
parents and their children.
The Lexington City Public Library hosted the award-winning series on six
consecutive Saturday mornings from March 4 through April 8.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, courage,
cleverness, and determination. All books are read and discussed in both English
and Spanish.
A discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities. Each program begins
with a light breakfast and continues with storytelling and discussion based on
award-winning children’s literature.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the Lexington Public Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of Lexington.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, and other Nebraska communities
over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
and the Nebraska Library Commission. Funders for Prime Time in Lexington include
Home Federal Savings & Loan Association, Tri-County Hospital, Tyson Fresh Meats,
Wal-Mart, KRVN 880 and The River 93.1, and Pinnacle Bank-Lexington. The NHC is a
private, statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
For more information or to register to participate, contact Toné Mendoza,
director of the Lexington Public Library, at (308) 324-2151.
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February 2006
Prime Time program goes
to South Sioux City
Prime Time Family Reading Time, a Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) family
literacy program for low-literacy, low-income families, was presented in South
Sioux City with opportunities for both Spanish- and English-speaking parents and
their children.
The South Sioux City Public Library hosted the award-winning series on six
consecutive Tuesday nights from Feb. 21 through March 28.
The six-week series of reading and discussion is designed for families with
children ages six to 10. It includes sessions on fairness, greed, courage,
cleverness, and determination. All books are read and discussed in both English
and Spanish.
A discussion leader and a storyteller introduce parents to the benefits and
pleasures of reading and discussing stories with their children, and a library
representative introduces families to library resources and services. Younger
siblings participate in separate pre-reading activities. Each program begins
with a light dinner and continues with storytelling and discussion based on
award-winning children’s literature.
Prime Time reinforces the role of the family in society, encourages parents and
children to form bonds over reading and learning together, and teaches parents
and children to read and discuss humanities topics. The program also encourages
low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational
programs to improve their employment opportunities.
“It is so important for children to learn the joys of reading early in life,
especially when it involves reading and discussing books with their families. A
love for learning through reading has a positive impact on how well a child does
in school,” said NHC Program Officer Erika Hamilton. “We’re pleased to be
working with the South Sioux City Library to bring this exciting family literacy
program to the citizens of South Sioux City.”
Initially developed by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time
has been held in Lincoln, Omaha, Scottsbluff, and other Nebraska communities
over the last several years.
Bilingual Prime Time programs are sponsored by the NHC, the State of Nebraska,
and the Nebraska Library Commission. Funders for Prime Time in South Sioux City
include the South Sioux City Community Foundation. The NHC is a private,
statewide, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information or to register to participate, contact Kathy Jacobs,
director of the South Sioux City Public Library, at (402) 494-7545.
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