Making Libraries Active Hippocampus Reading Foundation (HRF)

HRF - background Started in April 2004 to promote reading amongst underprivileged children Started by Hippocampus, a library for children in Koramangala Today works with 10 NGO’s in 60 Government schools and community libraries providing 12,000 children access to “active” libraries Part of the Ashoka Network ( Ashoka is the largest network of social entrepreneurs present in 60 countries)

The need for Reading intervention

The problem… A child “LEARNS TO READ” till class 3, and “READS TO LEARN” after that. Reading levels for children are way below levels required to comprehend their specified curriculum Children from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have access to books in school or home to develop an interest in reading. Many of these children are first generation school goers and their families may or may not stress on the importance of education

Designing a program…

How was the program developed? First, we developed our vision, what is it that we wanted to achieve? From our vision, we defined goals that will help us measure the effectiveness of the program For each of the goals, we developed key strategies And for each of the strategies we developed action plans

Our Vision: “To inspire children to want to read more” To inspire is to motivate the child from within so that the child can pursue the reading habit without any need for intervention.

Our goals 60% of children reading 20 books annually Regular readers should show progressive trend in reading To enable libraries to function independently within 3 years

Key strategies… Goal 1 60% of children reading 20 books annually  To have a conducive environment, a library space for children to read  Variety and quantity in books, some thing for everyone always  To create a time for children to use the library  To have a committed and fun librarian  Reward constant reading behavior to encourage children to read more  To do activities that go beyond books and get the child not interested in reading to come to the library more often.  To make the community and stake holders aware of the “importance of reading”  Work on programs for children who are having problems with reading

Key strategies… Goal 2 Regular readers should show progressive trend in reading  A simple approach to categorize books and arrange these books in the library accordingly  Introduce external stimuli to influence reading behavior  Empower librarian to guide children to move to higher level of books  To develop record keeping guidelines - record circulation and category  Develop tactics for moving children up the ladder

Key strategies… Goal 3 To enable libraries to function independently within 3 years  Get a management buy in  Ensure adequate librarian training to function independently  Provide adequate resources to run the libraries  Have a resource center and librarian kit  Develop and run librarian networks  Identify and share best practices

Our program

Requirements and beliefs Every school has a library and a librarian. Each class has at least one library period in a week. A love for books can be developed in most children. The library can be an ‘active’ place if a well designed program is in place.

Guiding principles The program should create in the school, the perception that the library is an exciting place and the library period is something to look forward to. It should be simple for the librarian to implement. Through the ‘GBR’ a child should be able to take charge of his/her reading habit and its progress.

Program Details…

Setting up the library Physical set up of the library  Books, shelves, seating, storage, notice board, reading walls.. Cataloguing books Maintaining catalogues Maintaining circulation Stock taking Refer to “training manual” for details

Leveling and arranging books Books are assigned one of six levels based on the amount of matter to be read on each page. Each level is assigned a colour. Each book in a level has that colour sticker on its spine. Books are arranged according to the levels. Refer to the attached manual on “Leveling” for program details.

Matching each child with his book level The librarian helps the child discover his/ her reading level with the help of specially designed reading cards. The child’s level is recorded in the register. A child is issued a library card clearly mentioning his/her reading level

Helping the child progress  A list of compulsory reading in each level. He has to read at least 10 books in his level before he can progress to the next one.  Each book has a set of 3 activity sheets for the child to do when she finishes the book.  Activity sheets focus on art, craft, comprehension, analysis and writing.  Refer to “Must Read” manual for details

Creating interest in the library and reading A monthly calendar of activities that combines opportunities for reading with exciting language based activities. Supported by session plans and activity sheets  Refer to “Monthly Calendar” manual for details

Encouraging, and monitoring progress Registers are maintained to track each child’s progress A chart displaying the names of children who have progressed in their reading level. All children who have read the books in a given level are rewarded with a book at the end of the year

Equipping and empowering the Librarian Induction training program for the librarians – over a 2 day period, Supported by a Librarian manual for reference Review meetings are held every October and March to share best practices and iron out any issues Librarians are divided into 4 zones and are encouraged to meet monthly

Creating an identity for the library in the community Library Day  Conducted annually to highlight the achievements and activities in the library  Parents and teachers and the community at large is invited.  This event is a matter of prestige for the headmaster and the school. HOO’s Tales  Event held at Bal Bhavan to promote reading through story telling  Had an attendance of more than 3000 children

In summary… A time and space for children to read. The right books in the library A librarian who is fun and effective A structured library curriculum to inspire children to want to read more An encouraging school and community Thereby creating an “Active Library”

How does HRF work?

A partnership model We work in partnership with NGOs in the field of education The partners run the libraries, interact with school management while we provide the necessary program material to make the library active. Our partners include Akshara Foundation, Dream School Foundation, Samarthanan Trust, Shishu Mandir, ILP, Makkala Jagriti, amongst others. Today we are providing access to children through 60 active libraries.

What does HRF provide? Guidance with setting up a library Librarian training in the ‘grow by reading’ program. Material provided includes-  Program manuals in Kannada, English and Urdu.  Stickers for displaying book levels.  ‘Must read’ book lists in each level accompanied by activities for each book.  Library cards for students.  Growth chart for displaying names of children showing progress  A calendar of activities for the library period for 10 months with lesson plans and materials. And conceptual guidance and support

Questions, Thanks for your time and patience