“Why Our Children’s Future Depends On Libraries, Books, and Imagination” by Patty Costello

Patty Costello, PhD in Neuroscience and picture book author, presents an engaging and interactive lecture based on the latest psychological research on libraries and books as teaching tools for children. The first part of the lecture discusses how and why parents can create an enriched literacy environment. Other topics include a dialogue on the pros and cons of teaching kids about race and stereotypes followed by a lesson on implicit bias. The talk concludes with an overview on the future of children’s literature, and why an active imagination is an important component for raising your children to be citizens of a diverse world. A range of resources designed to empower parents in creating enriched literacy environments will also be provided. Ages 18 and up.