Mission
All children deserve to experience both the joy of reading and the skills in life that literacy provides. Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy is passionately committed to strengthening children’s literacy through library services and community advocacy.
History
In January 2008, staff from more than a dozen Colorado public libraries and the Colorado State Library collaborated to develop a comprehensive approach to deliver and support early literacy services statewide. Fiscal agency support has been provided by CLiC (Colorado Library Consortium) since 2011.
Our Organization
Membership in CLEL is open to anyone involved with children, libraries, or early childhood education who supports our mission statement. Our activities are directed by a Steering Committee appointed from the general membership. The Steering Committee oversees six standing sub-committees:
- Steering
- Training
- Communications
- Annual Conference
- Advocacy & Fundraising
- Membership
CLEL members may serve on any of the standing committees. Please feel free to view our bylaws and meeting minutes.
The Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) collaborates with organizations around the world to provide Early Literacy information and resources for librarians, children, and their caregivers. These collaborations are based solely on the benefit provided to children and the thoughts and opinions of these organizations do not necessarily reflect those of CLEL.
Goals
- Educate and train library staff in providing early literacy storytimes for children and caregivers.
- Increase awareness of the importance of early literacy to all communities.
- Cooperate with other state and national agencies involved with early literacy.
- Promote the role of libraries in providing early literacy experiences.
2024 Annual Report
In 2024, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy bolstered our many professional development offerings with member Mini Grants and an Annual Conference that attracted 187 participants. This year, a task force created a minicourse version of the Project READY curriculum designed for public youth services librarians, and launched 5 study cohorts with a total of 25 participants for the 24/25 year. View the full 2024 Annual Report.
Our Donors
Many libraries around the state support CLEL monetarily to promote and champion our goals.
CLEL Supporters
Up to $250
- Berthoud Community Library
- Lake County Public Library
- Louisville Public Library
- Pine River Library District
- Poudre River Public Library District
CLEL Sustainers
$251-$500
- Bemis Public Library
CLEL Champions
$501-$1000
- Douglas County Libraries
CLEL gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of CLiC and the Colorado State Library.
Information updated May 2025
