Thanks to good old Ben Franklin, we have a long tradition of public libraries in America. If you don't have one in your town, you've got one somewhere in your county. If you live in a large city, you've got many neighborhood branches to choose from. Go visit the library with your kids. They'll be welcomed by a librarian who encourages them to explore the books and bring home an armload. Library books open worlds for kids and they're free! Annie talks with children's librarian, Michelle Coxford, about the tremendous benefits of reading to your children and having your children read to you. About Michelle Coxford Michelle Coxford is the mom of two young boys, an avid reader, and the Regional Children's Librarian for Stanislaus County, California. In addition to her children's library duties, she provides Early Literacy lectures to local school district, Head Starts, and other community organizations. Michelle developed the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program currently being piloted in the Ceres branch library in Ceres, California. Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.