PRIME TIME Family Reading Time®

June 22, 2010. Press Release: Four More Libraries to Host Humanities-Based Lieteracy Program for Families.

April 29, 2010. Press Release: Nine Libraries to Host Literacy Program for Families

The Michigan Humanities Council works with public libraries across the state to host PRIME TIME Family Reading Time® programs. PRIME TIME® is a six-week program of reading, discussion, and storytelling that targets low-income, low-literacy families. The program features award-winning children’s literature to stimulate discussion about humanities themes and issues encountered in everyday life. Last year, 1,484 adults and children participated in the program in three Michigan communities.

Each session is 90-minutes and includes the reading of up to three books by a storyteller followed by facilitated discussion with a humanities scholar. Programs typically serve 20 to 25 families comprised of parents and children ages 6 to 12 with separate pre-reading activities planned for children 5 and under. Programs may be presented in English or as a bilingual Spanish/English program.

PRIME TIME® Program Forms:

Program Description
Program Budget
Team Responsibilities
Books & Book Syllabi
Family Entry Survey.
Family Completion Survey.
Final Report Checklist for Library Coordinators.
Final Report for Preschool Coordinators.
Final Report for Program Coordinators.
Final Report for Scholars and Storytellers.
Final Report for Community Organizer and Translator.
Michigan PRIME TIME Brochure.

PRIME TIME® Goals:

Bond families around the act of reading and learning together;
Reinforce the role of family;
Encourage parents and children to read and discuss the humanities topics raised in the books;
Help parents and children become active library users; and
Highlight the importance of the library in local community and daily life.

PRIME TIME® is offered by the Michigan Humanities Council in cooperation with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and with the support of corporate and private sponsors.

Who May Host a Program?

Applications are no longer being accepted for 2010. On April 29, 2010, the Council announced the nine libraries hosting the program are: Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library (Alpena), Cass District Library (Cassopolis), Charlevoix Public Library, Hoyt Public Library of the Saginaw Public Libraries (Saginaw), Jackson District Library – Carnegie Branch (Jackson), Lenawee County Library – Main Branch (Adrian), Monroe County Library System – Navarre Branch (Monroe), South Haven Memorial Library, and Stair Public Library (Morenci). On June 22, 2010, the Council announced four additional libraries would host the program: Hackley Public Library in Muskegon; Peter White Public Library in Marquette; Highland Twp. Public Library in Highland; and, Hamtramck Public Library in Hamtramck.

However, any public library system in the state of Michigan is eligible to apply to host a six-week PRIME TIME® series. A library system must commit to hosting a minimum of three PRIME TIME® series over a two-year period. The second and third series may occur in the same library or at another library within the same system. All interested libraries must first submit a one-page letter of interest to the Michigan Humanities Council for consideration as a PRIME TIME® site.

How Much Does PRIME TIME® Cost?

For all new PRIME TIME® programs, the Council will provide $9,000 to the library to cover the majority of program expenses. These expenses include a two-day mandatory training session for the library coordinator, scholar, and storyteller in New Orleans, stipends for the scholar and storyteller, and a portion of the book costs. If your library has previously hosted PRIME TIME®, mini grants will be available up to $2,000. The library must provide a budget which includes cash and in-kind cost share to cover the remainder of the book costs as well as miscellaneous program expenses that will vary by site.

Additional Host Library Requirements:

identify a library coordinator who will attend a two-day training session in New Orleans along with a program scholar and storyteller;
order and catalog program books from an approved PRIME TIME® syllabus;
promote PRIME TIME® according to Council guidelines and recruit 20-25 families;
provide credit to the Council in all promotional materials;
arrange for family transportation to and from the program as needed;
provide adequate space for meals/snacks, the PRIME TIME reading and discussion, and preschool activities;
provide a weekly five-minute “library commercial” to introduce families to additional library programs and resources;
organize staff and resources for weekly preschool activities (a manual of suggested readings/activities is provided at the training in New Orleans);
issue library cards to all participating families;
complete and submit required reports to the Council upon conclusion of the program
administer and compile required participant surveys including entry, exit, and 90-day follow-up surveys;
provide cash and/or in-kind support for program costs not covered by Council funds;
present award certificates and gift books to families at program’s end.

Responsibilities of the Michigan Humanities Council

provide staff support and technical assistance regarding PRIME TIME®
act as intermediary between the library and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
assist in promotion and securing printed promotional materials
conduct site visits and program evaluation
assist library in identifying an appropriate scholar and storyteller as needed
write proposals for future funding
provide 30 reusable book bags
pay the required partnership fee to Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities ($500/site)

Contact Information

Cythia Dimitrijevic, Grants Director
517-372-0029 ext. 29
cdimitrijevic [at] mihumanities.org

Council Programs

PRIME TIME® patrons in Detroit, October 2008.

Ruby's Wish

Supporters

Financial support was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fund of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.