Online International Children's Book Library

03/06/2003

Online International Children's Book Library

"Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it."
–Tallulah Bankhead

ONLINE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK LIBRARY

Led by the University of Maryland and the Internet Archive, a partnership of government, non-profit, industry and academic organizations has launched the world's largest international digital library for children. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with additional support from other partners as part of along-term research project to develop new technology to serve young readers. The new International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) will provide children ages 3 to 13 years with an unparalleled opportunity to experience different cultures through literature. The new digital library will begin with 200 books in 15 languages representing 27 cultures, with plans to grow over five years to 10,000 books representing 100 different cultures.

"Engaging stories help children grow intellectually and emotionally, gain an understanding of who they are and learn about others and the world around them, all while having a great deal of fun," said Allison Druin, project leader of the ICDL at the University of Maryland. "We believe that the International Children's Digital Library can provide an important new avenue for children to experience new books and explore other cultures."

For more details, go to http://www.icdlbooks.org.

At the 2003 World Forum on Early Care and Education in Acapulco, Mexico, each participant will be invited to bring a favorite children's book from their country. This international children's book collection will be on display throughout the World Forum. For details go to www.ChildCareExchange.com.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.