For those with early learning/literacy programs, please take a moment to fill out a quick survey on your program specifics for a national report on the role of libraries and museums in early learning, which is being managed by the Families and Work Institute. The survey link is in the IMLS message below. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 reishk@michigan.gov<mailto:reishk@michigan.gov> Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 8:56 AM Subject: Share Your Early Learning Work for a National Report TO: Chief Officers, LSTA Coordinators, and Heads of Library Development We know that many of your library programs engage young children in learning that enhances skills and brain development. We invite you to share your best practices and innovative approaches with the Families and Work Institute (FWI) by completing their brief survey<http://www.mindinthemaking.org/fwi-and-imls/> by December 22. This input will contribute to the development of a national report on the roles that libraries and museums play in informing and supporting children, families, and the professionals who work with them. For the past 14 years, Mind in the Making, a program of FWI, has been sharing research on what we can do to help children thrive now and in the future. They have been calling attention to the importance of early brain development and promoting Executive Function skills, which study after study reveals have been a critical missing piece in efforts to promote school readiness and school, work and life success. This new project of FWI will engage libraries and museums as key partners in the Mind in the Making work. See the IMLS blog, Museums and Libraries: Be a Part of our Brain Building Journey<http://blog.imls.gov/?p=5399>, for more information.