From: Sue McCleaf <nespecas>
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 13:16:19 -0400

Regarding Racine's claim of being the first library offering preschool storytimes:

"Since 1932, Racine Public Library has prided itself on being the first public library in the United States to offer preschool storytimes. Does anyone in CCBC-land have any information that would confirm or refute that fact? We would appreciate hearing from you as we head toward our 75th year celebration."

In the book The Preschooler and the Library written by Ann D. Carlson, the following appears:
"In library literature the Detroit Public Library is often cited as the first to offer preschools story hours beginning in 1935."

Obviously Maryann, your library can beat that statistic given in this highly regarded text. However, there is a footnote:

"In research conducted in 1982 for my doctoral dissertation, I queried librarians about when their libraries began programs for children under the age of three. One librarian responded that two-year-olds were a part of the library's preschool story hours begun in 1921. This is earlier than any claims in the literature. Since all questionnaires were returned anonymously, I do not know the name of the library."

Sue McCleaf Nespeca

Kid Lit Plus Consulting & Consultant in Youth Services for NOLA Regional Library System & NORWELD Regional Library System

Email: sue at kidlitplus.com Phone: 330y910
Received on Fri 29 Apr 2005 12:16:19 PM CDT