My First Library

My First Library is an early literacy initiative of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries that helps develop literacy skills and promotes family reading.

Did you know that by the time children are three years old, their brain is eighty percent of its adult size? During these formative years, children develop language and other skills that lay the foundation for a lifetime of literacy. But for many children, these early literacy skills are hindered.

Studies confirm that the number of books in the home is strongly linked to reading achievement. One study found that children who grew up with books in their home reached a higher level of education than those who did not.

The goal of My First Library is to place books into the hands of children who may have few if any books in the home. Each month, more than 1,600 new books are distributed to pre-school classrooms thanks to partners including the Krueger Charitable Foundation and Delta Theta Chi Sorority.

This year, ODL is collaborating with public libraries in Altus, Frederick, Hobart, Hollis, Mangum, and Sayre to get books into the hands of pre-K and Kindergarten children in the communities.

Reading to children helps improve their language and academic performance and increases their concentration and creativity. Parents and caregivers play a very important role. Engaging children in reading activities and having books in the home helps provide a strong literacy foundation.