Appleton Public Library is one of 14 libraries nationwide selected to host the PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME reading, discussion, and storytelling series offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office. The project, which will take place in the spring, summer, and fall of 2001, is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

"We are delighted to be part of the national expansion of a project that is designed specifically for underserved families to help children bond with parents by reading and learning together," said library director Terry Dawson. "This program is yet another example of how libraries provide vital services to diverse audiences in communities all over America."

Appleton Public Library will host PRIME TIME in the Spring. Carole DeJardin, Children's Services Supervisor at the Appleton Public Library, will coordinate the project. Dr. Mark Lindquist of the University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley, will serve as discussion leader assisted by Brian Doxtator, storyteller and director of the Oneida Community Library. Additional support is provided by Beverly A. Harrington, executive director of the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. All team members travelled to New Orleans January 26-28, 2001 for a training workshop.

PRIME TIME, based on illustrated children's books, is designed to teach parents and children to read and discuss humanities topics and aids them in selecting books and becoming active public library users. It is based on a successful series of the same name that began in 1991 at the Baton Rouge (LA.) Parish Library and spread to surrounding states with NEH funding. Nearly 5,000 individuals have participated in more than 100 PRIME TIME sessions in states including Louisiana, New York, Alaska, Utah, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Each PRIME TIME series will take place once a week for six weeks. Reading and discussion leaders will conduct 90-minute sessions at public libraries for parents or guardians and their children. At each session, a storyteller will present stories and will model reading aloud. A humanities scholar will serve as the discussion leader. The library representative will introduce families to library resources and services. Younger siblings will participate in separate pre-reading activities.

As a PRIME TIME grant recipient, Appleton Public Library will be provided with multiple books, and honoraria for the scholar, storyteller, and reader. Posters and other publicity materials are also provided. For more information, contact Carole DeJardin at 832-6188 cdejardin@apl.org.