1. Early literacy spaces Shelly Collins-Fuerbringer
Youth Services Manager
&
Ashley Bieber
Teen Services Coordinator
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

2. RLPL & LSTA
Applied for 2012 LSTA to designate the library as an “Early Literacy Resource Center” for the community

3. 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

4. Creating the environment
Foam-stick letters spell out 5 early literacy activities
Burgeon Group wall panels (8)

5. Reading nooks & other furniture

6. Domestic furniture

7. Dress up Firefighter Mail Carrier Police Officer Nurse/Doctor
Astronaut

8. Tool bench

9. displays

10. 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

11. Things I might change #notquiteperfect
Swivel Dress Up Station
Monkey Bar Playhouse
Easel

12. 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

13. Our story Debuted Play and Learn November 2011
Inspiration came from Ridgedale Public Library
Funding comes from the Friends of the Library

14. Play and learn
Our goal is to make a fun place where kids and parents want to play and learn – TOGETHER.

15. Toy bins Vehicles Duplos Blocks Animals Magnetic gears Balls
Train track

16. Magnet board

17. Activity counter

18. Favorite things
(We love spray paint!)

21. Market stall is very versatile
Play and Learn Market
Market stall is very versatile
Market ad

22. Shape soup with recipe cards
Play and learn cafe
Kitchen = most popular
Shape soup with recipe cards

23. Surf Shack + Crabby Cabana
Summer ‘12 - beach
Surf Shack + Crabby Cabana
Where is my snorkel?

24. The stall becomes a science lab Scientists go fishing, too!
Discovery lab
The stall becomes a science lab
Scientists go fishing, too!

25. Community helper dress up
Play and Learn school

26. Summer ‘13 - space
UFFO Reading pad
Astronauts galore!

27. Yes – musical instruments!
The arts
Putting on a show
Yes – musical instruments!

28. 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.

29. Find volunteers

30. 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

31. Alphabet search and find

32. Song menu

33. On the walls

34. Countertop activities

35. Miscellaneous fun

36. final advice
Check Pinterest for ideas: Eau Claire Public Library Play and Learn
Have fun!