FAMILY READING NIGHT IN ILLINOIS By SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGE H. RYAN

On Thursday evening, Nov. 19, families throughout the state will gather in their living rooms, family rooms, dens and libraries to enjoy a special time together. They won't be watching the latest episode of their favorite TV programs — they will be taking a few minutes out of their busy schedules to read as a family.

Illinois' first annual Family Reading Night, sponsored by the Illinois State Library, is an effort to encourage families to spend more time together reading and learning. We hope this event motivates families across the state to take time out to read, not just on Nov. 19, but every night.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, nearly half of all fourth graders and an astounding two-thirds of all eighth and 12th graders reported reading 10 or fewer pages each day. In contrast, one-quarter of all fourth graders reported watching six hours of television per day, while 66 percent of eighth graders and 40 percent of 12th graders admitted to watching about three hours per day.

As State Librarian, these statistics concern me. It is vital to our educational and economical goals that these trends be reversed and that communities and their families join forces to promote reading. Our country is threatened with becoming a nation of non-readers. And in an age when reading is the key to keeping pace with new technology and social advancement, we cannot afford to let TV and video games dominate our leisure time.

"Families That Read Together Grow Together" is the theme for Family Reading Night, and I am urging communities to help spread the word. Libraries, schools, businesses, reading councils and civic organizations all can take an active role in promoting this event. Public service announcements will be aired on local radio and television stations and displayed in area newspapers. "Read Together, Grow Together," a family reading video that illustrates the importance of reading to children, also will be available at local libraries beginning this month.

MEMO TO: IML MEMBERS FROM: THOMAS G. FITZSIMMONS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RE: 1993 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS The Legislative Committee of the Illinois Municipal League will be meeting on December 11, 1992 in Chicago. At that meeting, the Committee will discuss legislative proposals for the 1993 legislative session. After the recommendations of the Committee are formulated, the Board of Directors will take action on the Illinois Municipal League's 1993 Legislative Agenda. All legislative proposals should be submitted to the Illinois Municipal League office by November 30,1992. This enables staff to prepare copies and mail them to the Legislative Committee. When submitting a proposal, the provision of detailed information will be appreciated. In particular, what statute is to be amended, the proposed amendment, and rationale for the change. If you have any questions, please call me.

October 1992 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 7

Family Reading Night is backed by the Illinois Library Association, the Illinois School Library Media Association, the Illinois Reading Council, the Illinois Center for the Book, Children's Reading Round Table and other reading organizations.

Following are reading activities families can share during Family Reading Night, as well as any night of the week:

• Set aside time when everyone at home usually gathers in the living room. Turn off the TV and read. Fifteen minutes is great!

• Have each family member find a poem or picture book to share before dinner.

• Let a local fast food place cook dinner and you can read a favorite book aloud during dessert.

• Have each family member select an article from the local newspaper to read aloud. Talk about each article together.

• Select some books that your family might enjoy and choose one to read together in a special family setting.

• Select a favorite author's book to read. This would be a good time for parents or grandparents to share one of their old-time favorites with younger family members.

• Read a book or a chapter of a book by an Illinois author. Ask your local librarian for suggestions.

• Choose a topic of interest to learn more about, and read all about it on Family Reading Night.

I also invite families to create their own Family Reading Night activities and share them with the Illinois State Library. Families can send their suggestions and comments to the Library Development Group, Illinois State Library, 300 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701.

I want to challenge every family in Illinois to hold off on meetings, hold back on TV and HOLD ON to books on Nov. 19. From fairy tales and famous people to nature stories and poetry, there is so much to learn and share with family members through the written word.

For further information, call the Illinois State Library at 217/782-2994. •

Page 8 / Illinois Municipal Review / October 1992