Motheread/Fatheread is a nationally recognized family literacy program that promotes reading and parenting skills. UHC funds are used to train teachers, librarians and others to encourage parents to read to their kids and discuss ideas from the readings. In an age of working parents, video games and competition for attention, this UHC offering helps address critically important family values. Since 1996, UHC has trained more than 500 staff members and volunteers. Motheread/Fatheread classes are held in 28 of the state's 29 counties. Funding for the program is being sought to keep it alive.

UHC's staff and board of directors are constantly juggling limited funds to keep these and other programs available.

Some refer to UHC as a de facto state agency that delivers services and programs statewide without a state bureaucracy. UHC did all that this past year with state support of a little more than $5,000 per month, or about 2 cents per state resident.

Others look at UHC as a nonprofit that helps Utahns learn about their personal and collective histories, that encourages discussion about significant matters and that promotes early childhood education. They believe the state should provide more substantial financial support.

We believe it is time for the Utah Humanities Council to be better known. That way, more people will appreciate the value of UHC's free programs. They might even provide the Utah Humanities Council with greater support.

That's one of the reasons why, after nine years under a different name, people throughout the state this week will be enjoying the Utah Humanities Book Festival.

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Jon Weisberg is chairman of the board of the Utah Humanities Council.