Providing rich supply of high-interest story books is more feasible policy for literacy education than urgent exhortations to improve teacher quality. Free reading profoundly improves students' reading and writing ability, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. The quality of a country s or state's school libraries significantly predicts its reading…

Discusses the school librarian's role in helping to develop students' reading motivation. Topics include the importance of feedback; providing time to read, perhaps as a reward; adequate access to books; flexible schedules for library time; reading aloud; book-discussion groups; family involvement; and using older students as tutors. (LRW)