This book collects the research on literacy, information regarding the importance of reading to children, sources of funding, and places to find information about literacy programs in the 50 states—all in a single volume.

This book collects the research on literacy, information regarding the importance of reading to children, sources of funding, and places to find information about literacy programs in the 50 states—all in a single volume. Family literacy programs can be remarkably effective in helping families who struggle in various areas of literacy or supporting their children's academic needs.Crash Course in Family Literacy Programs provides an introduction and an overview of this critical subject, defining what literacy, family literacy, and family literacy events are, and covering critical topics such as sources of funding, conclusions of recent research, and bilingual family literacy. The first half of the book is focused on laying out background information about family literacy, while the remainder provides practical how-to information for public and school libraries to develop their own family literacy programming. The book shows perspectives of public librarians, school principals, children's book store owners, and school personnel who have successfully implemented a family literacy program. Planning sheets and lesson templates are included, making it easy to develop a family literacy program.

"This text could easily be used by the new librarian put in charge of heading or creating a family literacy program as well as the seasoned professional who is new to this role. The work is a great review as well as introduction to the life of a librarian, illustrating both the positive and the challenging situations." - ARBA

"Combining more than three decades of experience in elementary-school classrooms and media centers with doctoral studies in library science and education, respectively, Chance and Sheneman bring voices of experience and authority to Libraries Unlimited's latest Crash Course edition. . . . A valuable guide for first-timers that still manages to include useful tips for veterans, this is a solid choice for professional-reading collections at all levels of public and school libraries." - Booklist Online