Books by African American authors, Debbie Taylor (Sweet Music in Harlem), Robin Morris (Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme) and Jacqueline Woodson (After Tupac and D Foster).

Angela Verges | Contributor

Is reading to a preschooler beneficial? Is he or she gaining anything from it? The answer is a resounding yes. In an article at parenting.com it was indicated that, “reading to a child between the ages of 3 and 5 is critical for future achievement.”

Information from the Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County indicates that reading regularly with preschool children gives them a boost toward a successful education. One of the initiatives of the coalition is a program called the Imagination Library.

The Imagination Library was created by Dolly Parton to provide books to young children so that their parents can read to them. Books are provided at no cost thanks to Head Start, the Literacy Coalition, Success by 6 and the Ann Arbor Links. To be eligible for this program you must have a preschool child (from birth until their 5th birthday) and live in the 48197 or 48198 ZIP code. For registration information, contact Washtenaw Success by 6 at 734-994-8100, ext. 1277.

If there is a business, organization, or individual who would like to donate funds to support the Imagination Library, they can be sent to Washtenaw Success By 6 at 1819 S. Wagner, P.O. Box 1406, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

In support of literacy, why not participate in the African American Read In event on Monday, Feb. 7th from 6-8 p.m.? The seventh annual Ypsilanti Community African American Writers Celebration is sponsored by the Ypsilanti District Library and Splendor Educational Consulting (Pauline Bigby). The event will take place in the Community Room at the Whittaker Road branch, 5577 Whittaker Road.

The Read In will celebrate the contributions of African American authors. The purpose of the event is to join with more than one million readers across the U.S. and West Indies to read, hear and understand literature of African American authors. Participants are encouraged to bring a passage and share it. The evening will begin with children’s picture books by African American writers. All are welcome to attend.

Youth under 18 years of age who attend the Read In will receive a free book while supplies last. For more information, contact splendor@sbcglobal.net or debutts@ypsilibrary.org or 734-879-1303.

Angela Verges is a writer and supporter of literacy initiatives. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.