Early literacy spaces Shelly Collins-Fuerbringer Youth Services Manager & Ashley Bieber Teen Services Coordinator L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
RLPL & LSTA Applied for 2012 LSTA to designate the library as an “Early Literacy Resource Center” for the community
what makes you an early literacy resource? In our small city this was a way to enforce our role in the community as THE place to go for early childhood and literacy resources Conducted “educational storytimes for HeadStart, Pregnancy Help Center, temporary family housing, Early Childhood college students Distributed “free book” coupons to targeted families Provided city cab coupons to HeadStart, etc., for free rides to the library Updated parenting collection
Creating the environment Foam-stick letters spell out 5 early literacy activities Burgeon Group wall panels (8)
Reading nooks & other furniture
Domestic furniture
Dress up Firefighter Mail Carrier Police Officer Nurse/Doctor Astronaut
Tool bench
displays
Storykits Storytime in a bag/extending the story experience Contents: 4-5 books centered around a theme, toy/manipulative, music CD, activity sheet 25 kits total – very popular
Things I might change #notquiteperfect Swivel Dress Up Station Monkey Bar Playhouse Easel
Final advice? Focus on things that are adaptable Remember that we already offer a lot of early literacy activities and spaces in the library that are fostering “early literacy”- it’s just explaining it to parents that helps them understand play and be more involved
Our story Debuted Play and Learn November 2011 Inspiration came from Ridgedale Public Library Funding comes from the Friends of the Library
Play and learn Our goal is to make a fun place where kids and parents want to play and learn – TOGETHER.
Toy bins Vehicles Duplos Blocks Animals Magnetic gears Balls Train track
Magnet board
Activity counter
Favorite things (We love spray paint!)
Market stall is very versatile Play and Learn Market Market stall is very versatile Market ad
Shape soup with recipe cards Play and learn cafe Kitchen = most popular Shape soup with recipe cards
Surf Shack + Crabby Cabana Summer ‘12 - beach Surf Shack + Crabby Cabana Where is my snorkel?
The stall becomes a science lab Scientists go fishing, too! Discovery lab The stall becomes a science lab Scientists go fishing, too!
Community helper dress up Play and Learn school
Summer ‘13 - space UFFO Reading pad Astronauts galore!
Yes – musical instruments! The arts Putting on a show Yes – musical instruments!
Tips Or, things I wish I had known right away… Get on mailing lists so you know when discounts and free shipping are offered Ask your staff for donations.
Find volunteers
My office turned storage area Make friends with the custodian Storage – do you have it? My office turned storage area Make friends with the custodian
Alphabet search and find
Song menu
On the walls
Countertop activities
Miscellaneous fun
final advice Check Pinterest for ideas: Eau Claire Public Library Play and Learn Have fun!