Celebrating National Family Literacy Day Published Oct. 25, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- National Family Literacy Day is celebrated across the U.S. to showcase the importance of family literacy programs, build awareness and ensure the cycle of learning and progress passes from generation to generation. It promotes literacy and the importance of parent engagement in their child's education. Congress designated Nov. 1, 1994, as National Family Literacy Day and has continued annually. The national day was inspired by the statistics of 20 to 27 million adults of the American work force in 1994 that lacked basic writing, reading and math skills necessary to perform in any complex job. "Members argued that family literacy programs can provide parents with the literacy skills they need to obtain employment and help their children with their homework," said Lisa Love, 92nd Force Support Squadron library director. "In addition, they provide children with skills they need to start school; ready to learn and to keep learning." According to Love, family literacy is a proven intergenerational approach that improves the literacy, language and life skills of both parents and children. Children's reading scores improve dramatically when their parents are involved in helping them learn how to read. "Studies show that family, home and community are the major factors in a child's education," said Love. "Reading aloud to children establishes a love of reading and creates a lifelong habit." In support of National Family Literacy Day, the base library promotes early literacy with two weekly programs that bring parents and children together. They also have phonic kits, educational activity books and picture books families can enjoy and read together. "Some of the programs we have are the Baby Steps Story Time, for ages two and under, every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., and Preschool Story Time, for ages two to six, every Wednesday at 10 a.m.," said Love. "There is no registration required... All you need to do is show up and have a wonderful bonding time with your children." For more information on what the base library offers, call Lisa Love at 509-247-5556.