(BLACK PR WIRE) (February 09, 2009) Do you remember the public library of your childhood? The children’s reading room chock full of colorful storybooks, fun activity displays, comfortable surroundings, small tables and chairs, and a librarian or two that loved to read stories to kids? These exceptional reading series, free for families throughout the nation, help shape growing children’s minds and imaginations through programs catered to their needs.

It is a little known fact that February is Library Lover’s Month and will be honored throughout the nation. By celebrating libraries we recognize that these institutions provide immense value within our communities. Individuals across the nation will evaluate what they can do to support and preserve their own public libraries this February.

Reading to children is vital to their overall performance in school and throughout the rest of their lives. Reading also helps children to learn the language of books and encourages the enjoyment of books and reading for years to come. Knowing all this it is disheartening to note the national trend of lower reading scores amongst African American children. With so many libraries offering a limitless supply of free books for the enjoyment of children and adult’s alike, reading scores should be excellent!

An Associated Press (AP) – Ipsos Poll released in August of 2007 stated that one in four American adults neglected to read even one book in the previous year. Of those readers polled women and the senior citizens were the most ardent readers, reading religious books and popular fiction more than anything else. The same poll went on to specify that nearly a third of men and a fourth of women hadn’t read a single book over the previous year.

African American authors such as Maya Angelou, Ralph Ellison, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison and Alice Walker make up only a few of the hundreds of world renowned writers producing great works over the past century. The good news is that these literary works are available for free checkout at your local library! This February, patronize your local library and work on your reading to curb the national trend of apathy towards reading and let’s raise those scores!