Projects In the Library

In Chicago Public Libraries…

Before academic research was incorporated into library work, I intuitively focused on family learning.

I attained funding to establish a reading garden and family learning center in my neighborhood branch that primarily served Latino families. Another funding source provided the resources to develop multilingual collections for young children and provide storytimes in those languages.

Another grant enabled us to create special collections and hold informational sessions for families with children with learning differences. Still another grant provided funding for carts and closets in four branches to be stocked with puzzles and games for adults to use with their young children.

Inspired by Every Child Ready to Read®…

With my colleague Saroj Ghoting, we translated academic studies into two books that promote the incorporation of research into practical, hands on storytimes that model early literacy behavior for caregivers. These resources were published by the American Library Association — Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library®: Partnering with Caregivers for Success and Storytimes for Everyone!: Developing Young Children's Language and Literacy.

In Allen Country Public Library…

I made early literacy research visible and accessible to the public through a variety of programs and initiatives.

Early literacy stations. I developed early literacy stations that focused on at least one of ECRR2’s early literacy practices, connecting the activity to one of the two processes of reading -- decoding or comprehension.

Changing table signs. Before ALSC’s adoption of this strategy, I created changing table signs that encouraged caregivers’ interaction with babies. They were distributed in library buildings, with the hope of eventually sharing them community-wide.

Block Play. I attained funding to host training sessions on the power of block play for area care-providers. Participants discovered how block play strengthens each of the domains of early childhood. After receiving the training the care-providers and the children in their care were provided with transportation as needed to come to the library to experience our incredible block collection. After attending three play times at the branch they were given their own starter set of blocks.

Literacy Rich Environment. Inspired by early learning environments created by the Burgeon Group, we secured funding to incorporate some of their kiosks and concepts into three of our branches.

Playing with Words on the GO! I wrote this set of portable early literacy actives for adults to use while out and about with their children. We distributed them for free in the county and sold them in bulk to organizations outside of Allen County, using profit to enhance early learning areas in our branches.

Listos A Leer. This was an updated Spanish version of Playing with Words on the GO! and was an important component in our outreach to newcomers.

Family engagement. I created neighborhood early literacy programs that brought businesses into promoting and supporting early literacy in their respective neighborhoods.

Outreach at WIC. Library staff trained in the fundamentals of early literacy were regular presenters at WIC. I developed a strength-based presentation, focusing on daily tasks adults do while pointing out and suggesting how they can incorporate early learning into those tasks. Participants took an age-appropriate book home with them at the end of the session.

LSCA SPARK! In attaining this grant, I established three story walks in neighborhood parks and schools. I also developed bumper stickers and signs to encourage adults to sing, talk, read, write and play with their children.