[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING FIRST BOOK

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, last Friday, Congressman Mike Capuano and 
I had the honor of congratulating First Book for distributing over a 
quarter of a million books to children across Massachusetts. My 
distinguished colleague from Massachusetts is a tireless advocate for 
ensuring that children of all ages obtain the reading materials and 
skills they need to become active members of our State and of our 
Nation, and I am happy to have been able to share this important 
afternoon with him.
  Thanks to the coordination of First Book, the generous donations by 
Random House Children's Books and Little, Brown & Company, and the 
dedicated volunteers from the Campus Outreach Opportunity League, the 
Coast Guard and First Book, thousands of children throughout our state 
who do not always get the opportunity to receive brand new books, are 
now enjoying their gifts.
  First Book is making it possible for young children to have access to 
books and take the first steps toward learning to read and it is making 
a real difference in their lives. It is impressive that last year, 
First Book was responsible for distributing more than 4 million books 
to children in more than 290 communities across the country.
  A 1999 evaluation of First Book conducted by Lou Harris and funded by 
the U.S. Department of Education, showed that after a child's 
involvement in First Book, 55 percent of them reported an increased 
interest in reading. Ninety-eight percent of the local advisory boards 
reported that their community was better off because of the support of 
First Book.
  Children need to have reading materials outside of school, and even 
before they start school. It is the best way to develop a love of 
reading early in life.
  When President Kennedy was young, two of his favorite books were 
``Billy Whiskers'' and ``King Arthur and the Round Table.'' My mother 
read for endless hours to all nine of us, and she was conscientious 
about choosing books that were educational and inspirational as well as 
entertaining. She instilled a love of reading in all of us.
  Reading is the foundation of learning and the golden door to 
opportunity. First Book knows that to open a book is to open a child's 
mind to a world of new possibilities.
  But too many children fail to read at an acceptable level. Reading is 
a pleasure, but today it is also a necessity. Students who don't learn 
to read well in their early years cannot keep up in their later years. 
That is why literacy programs are so important. They give young 
children practical opportunities to learn to read and practice reading.
  As a volunteer for a reading program in Washington, I know that 
literacy and mentoring programs make a difference not only for the 
children who participate in them, but the children in the program make 
a difference in my life, too.
  This is the fourth year that Jasmine and I have been reading partners 
at Brent Elementary School, and it is very impressive to see her make 
progress as a reader. There is nothing more exciting for Jasmine and me 
than when we get to choose a brand new book to read together.
  If we all work together, families, schools and communities, children 
will have the support they need to become good readers in their early 
years, and gain an appreciation for reading that will last a lifetime.

                          ____________________