LEWISTON – The YWCA of Central Maine joins ReadyRead!, a cooperative effort by the Lewiston and Auburn public school departments to ensure awareness of the importance of early literacy levels in the community. The Lewiston and Auburn libraries and many local literacy volunteers have also been a part of the starting success of this program.

Nearly 40 children in the YWCA’s child care program from ages 2 to 5 were involved in a book reading May 24 to introduce the effort to parents and children alike. Betty Gundersdorf, an initiative advocate, volunteered to read.

“Literacy has always been a significant part of the curriculum in our child care programs here at the YW,” said Wendy Russell, YWCA child care director. “Becoming involved in this collaborative effort through our patrons and teaching methods has already been a rewarding experience for all involved.”

ReadyRead! encourages parents and community members to pledge to read to their children 20 minutes a day. Some helpful tips to make the daily book reading pledge a successful effort is to keep a book in the baby’s diaper bag, bring a book to a doctor’s appointment, and keep books in the car to be read during rides. For more information, contact the YWCA at 795-4050.