Parent and Child Library Services Program
Grant Project Reports
2000-2001
Avoca Free Library
Sandy Seager
(607) 566-9279
R.E.V. (Reading Excitement through Videos)
$13,050
2000-2001
Brief project description: Three libraries in Steuben County; Avoca, Atlanta and Cohocton, each made eleven
video and book kits available for circulation. Parenting programs and special story hours were held at all three
libraries.
Needs addressed: Parents play a key role in their children's literacy development. This program made video-based
kits available to parents who might otherwise not use the library at all. It was hoped that these kits would be
a bridge for parents to a variety of library services and parenting programs.
Target audience: The three libraries participating in this project serve a district in which 80% of the children
are eligible for free lunch. Many low-income families use the library as a source for videos. It was hoped that
this project would put books and information as well as videos into the hands of these patrons.
Community partners and their roles:
- Avoca Central School District - assisted in the selection of resources and program topics. Provided anecdotal
evidence for evaluation.
- Southern Tier Library System - assisted in identifying community needs; defined appropriate resources and advised
on program planning. Helped compile and analyze evaluation data.
Specific activities:
- Each of the three participating libraries assembled and made available eleven video-book kits.
- Parenting programs were held at all three libraries with simultaneous story hours for children.
- A kick-off assembly, featuring children's author, Ted Arnold was held at the Avoca Elementary School.
- Flyers were distributed at schools to advertise the program.
Staffing:
- Project Staff - 10 hours per week
- Avoca Library Director - 30 hours
- Volunteers - 4 hours per week
- Southern Tier Library System - 20 hours
- Avoca Central School Staff - 10 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $500
- Publicity - $2,392.23
- Kits - $5,800.19
- Programs - $2,160.84
- Storage Units - $1,080.00
- TV/VCR's - $1,176.07
- TOTAL - $12,609.33
Evaluation:
Attendance at parenting programs
- Avoca 14 adults, 65 children;
- Atlanta 12 adults, 11 children;
- Cohocton 20 adults, 30 children.
Attendance at story-hours -
- Avoca 262;
- Atlanta 120;
- Cohocton 573.
469 people attended the kick-off assembly; 1650 flyers were distributed and 48 new library cards were issued.
Changes/recommendations:
- Kick-off event may attract more people during the evening instead of during school hours
- Librarian attendance and promotion at school open houses may be considered
- More money for parenting books and less for publicity
Categories of Service:
- Service to School Age Children
- Parent Education
- Family Programs
- Learning Kits
- Services to Low-Income Families
Brooklyn Public Library
Margaret Pas
(718) 638-5409 x 174
Reading: A Key to Your Child's Success
$41,363.00
2000 - 2001
Brief project description:
Workshops designed to educate parents about the value of reading to their children during the pre-school years
were offered at the Central Library and four branches.
Needs addressed:
Poor reading scores of elementary school children in many of the Community School Districts in Brooklyn reflect
a lack of family literacy practices. This program was designed to encourage more storybook interactions between
parents and their children.
Target audience:
Parents of pre-school children, particularly families in school districts where reading scores were lowest;
parents with high school or below education levels; teen parents and families who were not regular library users.
Community partners and their roles:
- Miracle Makers, Inc. Family & Children Services - agreed to have workshops conducted at three of their
day care centers
- P. S. 932 (High School for Pregnant and Parenting Teens) - workshops conducted at this site.
- BPL'S Family Reading Room at the Brooklyn House of Detention - agreed to hold workshops at this site.
- P.S. 256 - publicized program
Specific activities:
- Three Power Point presentations (a series) were made to parents at 36 sites. Children attended a parallel book-based
program. Parents were given notebooks, pencils and picture books for their children at the final session.
Staffing:
- Project Coordinator
- Library Staff - provided in-kind services
- Cooperating Agencies - helped with set-up for programs
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $30,000.00 (Salary for project coordinator)
- Supplies & Materials - $10,388.00
- Travel - $975.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- Attendance figures for each workshop - total = 191
- 42 branch librarians were trained to replicate the program
- 42 library card applications were distributed at programs
- Qualitative
- Evaluations were distributed at every workshop
Changes/recommendations:
- New reading scores indicate that there is a great need to continue this program
- Greater marketing effort will be necessary to attract a larger audience
- Customize the program to meet the needs of the individual agency
Categories of Service:
- Services to Pre-school Children
- Services to School Age Children
- Parent Education
- Services to Teen Parents
Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery
Eric Trahan
(518) 673-2314
Building Bridges for Youth
$9,275
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This project was part of a community-wide initiative, "Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth" whose aim
was to provide more community support for young people. The library participated by offering after-school programs,
homework help, community service opportunities and programs for parents.
Needs addressed:
The national model for this program, developed at the Search Institute in Milwaukee, ascertained that children
need more educational and social experiences outside of school so they will have opportunities for interaction
with parents and other adults in the community.
Target audience:
The target audience for this project was the students in the Canajoharie Central School district, along with
their parents. This is approximately 1,200 students and 900 parents.
Community partners and their roles:
- Canajoharie Library & Art Gallery - Developed after school learning opportunities for children; purchased
materials to support these programs; designed a web-site and designed evaluation instruments.
- Canajoharie Central School District - Provided space for programs; assisted with publicity; administered the
Homework Help program; collected evaluations.
- Canajoharie HC/HY - assisted in setting up the Homework Help and web-site; gathered evidence on impact of web-site.
- Canajoharie PTA - assisted in scheduling and conducting programs; assisted in generating and collecting evaluation
instruments
Specific activities:
- Homework Help was offered from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Public programs were scheduled at the library for a variety of audiences (children, parents, family)
- Library materials were purchased to support the programs.
- A web-site was established to publicize programs and to encourage participation by both parents and children
in community programs.
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 104 hours
- School Staff - 110 hours
- Volunteers - 178 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $5,372.00
- Supplies and Materials - $3,572
- $2,900 raised through other grants and fundraiser was also spent
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- Average attendance at Homework Help: 7-8 students, 3 days per week
- Total attendance: 12 afterschool or parent workshops -- 1,910
- Web site counted 100 hits in the month of pre-summer operation
- Qualitative:
- Written evaluations, anecdotal evidence
Changes/recommendations:
Two of the most successful components of the project, homework help and community service opportunities, were
handled completely by community partners. Their enthusiasm and commitment insured success. At the same time the
dispersal of responsibility made project cohesion more challenging.
Categories of Service:
- Service to School Age Children
- Homework Help
- Parent Education
- Family Programming
Farman Free Library Association
Loren Kent
(716) 287-2637
PC/PC (Parent-Child/Personal-Computing)
$9,776.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
52 parent-child computer skill workshops were provided.
Needs addressed:
According to the New York State School Report Card, the school districts served by the library ranked 66th (Falconer)
and 32nd (Pine Valley) out of 98 school districts statewide for academic performance in math and English language
arts. These free parent-child computer classes were part of the effort to raise overall academic achievement in
the community.
Target audience:
Parents, preschool and school age children in the Farman Free Library service area
Community partners and their roles:
- The Farman Free Library provided on-site computer classes for parents and children
- The James Prendergast Free Library provided advice, assistance and volunteer computer training
- In the Beginning Preschool defined the need for the project and recommended appropriate computer software for
preschoolers
- The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America distributed publicity and attended classes
Specific activities:
A total of 52 computer classes were held with 82 participants overall.
Staffing:
- Project Director: 200 hours
- Library Director: 100 hours
- Project Volunteers: 400 hours
- Paid Project Instructors: 144 hours
- Paid Technical Support: 50 hours
Costs:
- Professional Salaries: $2,592.00
- Supplies & Materials: $1,924.00
- Equipment: $5,125.00
- Purchased Services: $135.00
Evaluation:
Instructors were able to customize classes to meet the needs of participants. Classes filled immediately.
Changes/recommendations:
- Increase library hours of service to meet demand for computer access
- Increase budget to allow for additional classes and to deal with unexpected technical costs
Categories of Service:
- Services to Preschoolers
- Services to School Age Children
- Parent Education
Greenwich Free Library
Claudia Blacker
(518) 692-7157
Exploring My World
$15,044.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
Weekly programs on a variety of topics, e.g. multiculturalism, sciences, careers, disabilities, Native Americans,
were presented to parents and children at the library. Kits were assembled for teachers in grades K-3 as additional
resources for program support.
Needs addressed:
The library serves a very rural area where there are few cultural activities. The library serves as a primary
cultural resource for parents and children. These programs were selected in order to broaden the worldviews of
many local residents.
Target audience:
Preschoolers and primary school-age children and their parents in Greenwich and surrounding communities.
Community partners and their roles:
- Greenwich Elementary School - helped plan and evaluate programs and circulate materials. Provided classroom
space for programs.
- Greenwich PTSA - helped to plan and advertise all programs
- Local Businesses - contributed goods and services to programs.
- Library Trustees and Friends of the Library - helped in all aspects of the programs
Specific activities:
Each month a series of programs related to a specific theme were held at both the school and the library. A
variety of hands-on materials were available to parents and children to enrich the learning experiences provided
by the programs. During Black History Week the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany were invited to spend the weekend
participating in various events.
Staffing:
- Director - 6 hours per week for 42 weeks
- Presenter - 4 hours per week for 36 weeks
- Aide - 8 hours per week for 36 weeks
- Secretarial - 5 hours per week for 36 weeks
Costs:
- Professional Staff - $5,935.00
- Support Staff - $3,569.00
- Purchased Services - $1,200.00
- Supplies and Materials - $4,270.00
Evaluation:
Quantitative - 148 programs were held with a total attendance of 2,960. 5,000 materials circulated
Changes/recommendations:
Half of the programs should be held at the school and half at the library.
Categories of Service:
- Service to School Age Children
- Service to Pre-School Children
- Family Programs
- Multi-Cultural Awareness Programs
- Learning Kits
Horseheads Free Library
Sherrill Collins
(607) 739-4581
Beyond Books Plus
$11,990.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
Eighteen multi-media, curriculum support kits were made available to parents and children in grades 2-5.
Needs addressed:
Horseheads Free Library supplements the local school libraries with materials to support curricular goals. The
three elementary Catholic schools in Chemung County, the Horseheads Christian Elementary School and the 303 registered
home schooled students are in particular need of curriculum related materials.
Target audience:
Multi-media kits were made available to all library patrons. However, the groups identified as most in need
were the 303 registered home schooled students; the 529 students attending Catholic schools in Chemung County and
the 120 students attending the Horseheads Christian Elementary School.
Community partners and their roles:
- Horseheads Free Library - created and circulated kits; devised evaluation form
- Southern Tier Library System - provided kit delivery through interlibrary loan; assisted with evaluation form
development.
- Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga B.O.C.E.S. - provided student statistics
- Horseheads Christian School - encouraged use of the kits; assisted in development of evaluation form.
Specific activities:
- Open-House was held at the Horseheads Free Library to introduce the kits to the community
- Kits were circulated
- Brochures were provided to child care and other service organizations
Staffing:
- Children's Librarian - 4hrs per month x 12 months
- Senior Library Clerk - 15 hours x 12 months + 1200 hours
Costs:
Evaluation:
- Quantitative - At time of report:
- · 562 items were purchased and 18 kits were assembled
- · Kits had circulated 46 times in four weeks
- · 54 people attended open-house to introduce kits on May 16, 2001
- Qualitative
- evaluation forms and anecdotal evidence are being collected as kits are used
Changes/recommendations:
Assembling the kits took much longer than expected. Kits began circulating in May of the grant year. The original
plan was to begin circulation in October. The delay in circulation start-up did not allow enough time to adequately
evaluate the program during the grant year.
Categories of Service:
- Service to School Age Children
- Service to Home-schooled Children
- Homework Help
- Learning Kits
Johnstown Public Library
Barbara Germain
(518) 762-9776
Traveling through the Region with Explorations Kits (TREK)
$14,309
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This project was an effort to introduce children and their families to a naturalist form of intelligence and
the various ecosystems of the southern Adirondacks and the Mohawk River Valley. An Adirondack Learning Center was
established in the library, a series of family programs on the theme of nature was presented and six regional backpacks
were created to accompany families exploring the area.
Needs addressed:
The New York State Education Department has identified the "Living Environment" as a key area of concentration
for the elementary curriculum. This project encouraged families to explore the local environment to better understand
the community.
Target audience:
Children ages 4 to 10, their families and caregivers. Secondarily, homeschoolers and their families were targeted.
Community partners and their roles:
- Johnstown Public Library - created an Adirondack Learning Center that included audio and video cassettes, books,
puzzles, games and information from various agencies; hosted 5 family nature programs; created backpacks with information
about 6 ecosystems within the area; distributed brochures advertising the program.
- Johnstown School District, 4H, Environmental Clearing House, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Conservation
Magazine, Utica Zoo, CCJohnstown Senior Citizens Center, Beaversprite, City of Johnstown Girl Scouts, Adirondack
Mountain Club, Saratoga Homeschool Organization, Skidmore College - Tang Museum of Art, Outdoor World for Learning
and local newspapers, the Leader Herald and the Daily Gazette.
Specific activities:
- Adirondack Learning Center established in the library
- Series of nature programs for parents and children were held
- Six regional backpacks were created for circulation
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 147 hours
- Paid Consultant - 187.5 hours
- Project Director - 75 hours
- Graphic Artist -
Costs:
- Support Staff $860
- Purchased Services (presenters) $6,136
- Supplies and Materials $7,233
- Employee Benefits $78
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- circulation of backpacks; attendance at programs; circulation statistics for Adirondack Center
- Qualitative
- anecdotal, positive feedback
Changes/recommendations:
Materials were ordered from small publishing houses and suppliers which was labor intensive. A technical services
clerical staff budget should be added to the grant.
Categories of Service:
- Services to School Age Children
- Family Programs
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library
Suzanne McAllister
(716) 798-3430
S.H.A.R.E. - Students Having Adults Read Everyday
$7,500.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This was a library-based, one-on-one reading program for 20 remedial readers working with volunteer tutors.
They used books, games, puzzles and computer programs to improve literacy skills. Reading activity kits were supplied
to families to reinforce skills learned at the library. Local schools provided transportation and measured student
improvement.
Needs addressed:
Research shows that early intervention is the best way to deal with delayed progress in reading. This program
was an effort to provide this timely service to the neediest readers in 1st and 2nd grades.
Target audience:
20 remedial readers from 1st and 2nd grade at the local elementary school were recommended for the program
Community partners and their roles:
- Medina Central School District - supplied statistics on student population; provided transportation to the
library twice a month
- Town Elementary School - shared ideas for program implementation; encouraged parents to attend workshops, identified
program participants; administered pre and post-tests.
- NIOGA Library System - provides support and guidance in selection of materials; disseminated grant results
- Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Board of Trustees - advised staff of library's role within the community; examined
and evaluated grant reports
Specific activities:
Remedial readers and their tutors met twice per month for one-hour sessions at the library. They used specially
developed book kits designed to improve early reading ability. Story kits were taken home after each session so
that student could practice literacy activities at home with their parents. Transportation to the sessions was
provided by the school district. Parents were required to attend initial orientation sessions and sign contracts
outlining their responsibilities.
Staffing:
- Project Coordinator - 60 hours
- Librarian - 200 hours
- Library Clerk - 150 hours
- Teachers - 20 hours
- School Librarian - 5 hours
- Bus Driver - 7 hours
- Volunteers - 208 hours
Costs:
- Purchased services $1,500
- Supplies and materials $5,959
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 53 letters were sent to prospective participants; 10 students and 10 tutors were recruited; 130 tutor bags
and 120 student S.H.A.R.E. bags were circulated; total attendance of students in the program was 119. Students
were assessed with the Jerry Johns Reading Inventory. All four 1st graders tested as non-readers at the beginning
of the program and had progressed to low primer to grade 2 by the end of the program. 2nd graders tested between
levels C & J in the Fall and had progressed to level E to grade 3 by spring.
- Qualitative
- parent and tutor evaluations were collected.
Changes/recommendations:
Tutors would best be recruited for two sessions - September to December and January to May. A larger pool of
volunteers is needed to fill in for absent tutors. Parents need to be involved more. Next year programming for
parents and children will be provided on a monthly basis. Also, next year, phone calls will be made to homes to
elicit feedback on story kits. Lesson plans for each tutor kit should be laminated and kept on file. Materials
at lower reading levels have to be included in 1st and 2nd grade kits.
Categories of Service:
- Services to School Age Children
- Services to Struggling Readers
- Learning Kits
Liverpool Public Library
Elizabeth Dailey
(315) 457-0310 x105
Project Links
$7,049.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
The library provided 8 intensive training sessions which enabled middle schoolers and their parents to collaborate
in the creation of a web-page to document the community and its importance in New York history
Needs addressed:
The program involved young adults and their parents with library resources and gave them a connection to the
community through technology.
Target audience:
Middle and high school students and their parents from the Greater Liverpool area who would commit to eight
sessions of intensive training and information gathering.
Community partners and their roles:
- The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce - provided print materials and information; made connections with local business
leaders
- Liverpool Village Historical Society - presented information about life in early Liverpool.
- Community Business Leaders - explained the need for beautification projects in the area.
- Liverpool Schools - distributed information about the program
- Friends of the Liverpool Public Library - provided funding for the refreshments for each of the eight sessions
and the reception to launch the web-page
Specific activities:
The library organized eight sessions to instruct middle school students and their parents on information gathering
techniques and use of Adobe GoLive with digital cameras. Eight students and eleven parents participated. The goal
was to create an informational web page about the community past and present.
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 22 hours
- Technical Staff - 15.5 hours
- Clerical Staff - 24 hours
- Project Staff - 100 hours
- Volunteers - 15 hours
Costs:
- Professional salaries $1,879
- Purchased services $1,500
- Supplies and materials $2.382
- Employee benefits $154
- Equipment $1,190
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 11 students and 8 parents participated in the program for a total of 240 hours of work on the project.
- Qualitative
- students and parents were surveyed about every phase of the project
Changes/recommendations:
- Firmer commitment from partners for time and resources
- Batteries for digital camera and charger
- Schedule the use of the camera more efficiently
- Students could have used more time.
- Schedule non-meeting times to give kids access to the computers.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Young Adults
- Services to School Age Children
- Projects involving technology
- Family Programming
Mahopac Public Library
Patricia Kaufman
(845) 628-2009
Reading on the Road
$14,368.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This project was an effort to bring literacy experiences to children ages birth through five who could not visit
the library regularly. It involved conducting story-hours at various social service agencies, supplying licensed
child-care providers and nursery schools with books and materials and offering literacy workshops to nursery school
teachers and child-care providers.
Needs addressed:
Statistics gathered by the Mahopac Central School District indicated that many of the children who were entering
kindergarten lacked the necessary conceptual skills for reading mastery. In 1999 the district identified 200 students
in kindergarten through second grade who would not meet the new state standards for reading mastery.
Target audience:
Children from birth through five and their parents/caregivers who cannot visit the library on a regular basis,
specifically: at-risk children and their parents who use social service agencies; children who are cared for in
private homes by licensed childcare providers and children in licensed nursery schools.
Community partners and their roles:
- Mahopac Public Library - coordinated the selection, purchasing and processing of all materials; produced all
necessary print materials (brochures, bookmarks, evaluation forms, etc.) and administered the grant
- Literacy Volunteers of America - Putnam Affiliate - recruited and trained volunteer storytellers; scheduled
the storytelling at social service agencies and the distribution of gently used books; presented two workshops
to Child Care Council providers
- Mahopac Central School District - provided statistical data and information about standards; recruited and
trained high school volunteers and presented one workshop to nursery school teachers
Specific activities:
- Books, puppets and flannelboards were purchased for story hours at social service agencies
- Established rotating collections of theme kits at nursery schools and Child Care Council
- Presented demonstration literacy skills workshops to child care providers
- Presented workshops in addressing the new standards to nursery school teachers
- Distributed a variety of print materials to help parents and caregivers develop literacy skills in preschool
children
Staffing:
- Clerical Support - 144 hours
Costs:
- Salaries for Support Staff - $1,318.00
- Purchased Services - $4,400.00
- Supplies and Materials - $8,940.00
- Benefits - $70.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- Purchased 629 books, 24 big books, 45 puppets, 2 flannelboards, 16 baskets, and 445 media bags. Assembled 47
kits; trained volunteers to collect and distribute books; trained five volunteers to conduct story-hours. Forty
story hours were conducted with 15-20 children attending each. Three workshops were held with a total attendance
of 60. Fifty information packets, 500 resource brochures and 2,000 bookmarks were distributed to participants.
- Qualitative
- feedback from child-care providers, volunteers, and clients.
Changes/recommendations:
Order fewer materials or hire more project staff to handle the processing and distribution.
Categories of Service:
- Day Care Provider Education
- Services to Children in Day Care Centers
- Services to Newborns and Toddlers
- Services to Pre-Schoolers
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Kathleen Deerr
(631) 399-1511 x266
Learning English: A Family Affair
$13,448.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This project provided English instruction to ESOL students who are parents. It also provided family storytimes
in order to teach English through stories, songs and picture books.
Needs addressed:
There has been an influx of families who do not speak English in Suffolk county. The 1999 enrollment figures
for William Floyd School District showed a decrease of 10% in the white population, a 39.5% increase in the Hispanic
population and a 12% increase in the Asian population. Last year there were 60 ESL adult students being tutored
through the Community Library ESL program with 67 on the waiting list.
Target audience:
Families of non-English speaking or low English speaking adults with children between the ages of two and eight
Community partners and their roles:
- Community Library -- designed and implemented program; developed bilingual collection; publicized program;
collected evaluation data
- William Floyd School District -- identified and encouraged families to participate; technical support; provided
translators for promotional materials; will give feedback on progress of participant children during the coming
school year
- Headstart - encouraged ESL parents to attend program; will give feedback on participant children during the
coming school year
- Colonial Youth and Family Services -- provided volunteers to assist with programs; encouraged attendance
- Health Center -- informed Health Center ESL clients of this program and encouraged them to attend
Specific activities:
- Four multi-session programs were conducted to increase parents' English speaking skills
- Parents and their children participated in circle-time after the sessions where librarians modeled how to read
aloud, sing and interact with children.
- Storyhours and one-on-one book sharing sessions were held for participant children
Staffing:
- Project Staff - 200 hours
- Library Staff - 167 hours
- Cooperating Agency Staff - 15 hours
Costs:
- Salaries - $3,716.00
- Materials - $9,732.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 13 families and a total of 22 children attended programs; five families attended additional library programs;
all participants obtained library cards.
- Qualitative
- questionnaires completed by parents in December and June, informal conversations, observations of progress
made by both parents and children in speaking English.
Changes/recommendations:
If additional funding were available, transportation would have made the program more accessible to a greater
number of families. Yet the attendance we had was optimal for instruction and interaction. Any more than six families
would had diminished the effectiveness of the program.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Pre-School Children
- Services to School Age Children
- Family Programs
- Parent Education
- Service to Families where English is a second language.
Middleburgh Library
Mary France
(518) 827-5142
Books on Wheels
$7,050.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
30 kits based on specific themes and containing books, puppets, flannel boards and activity sheets were distributed
to Head Start families and day care providers.
Needs addressed:
A high percentage of the families in the rural part of Schoharie County served by the library live below the
poverty level. These families often do not have the resources to prepare their preschoolers for school.
Target audience:
Families of children who participate in the Schoharie County Headstart Program and preschoolers who attend local
day care centers.
Community partners and their roles:
- Schoharie County Headstart Program - were trained in the use of the kits and distributed them to local families.
They also evaluated the kits.
- Schoharie County Community Action Program - provided access to local day care providers; promoted use of the
kits as part of the professional development training required for re-certification.
Specific activities:
- Library staff assembled kits which contained detailed instructions for use by teachers, day care providers
and parents.
- Training workshops on use of the kits were held for Headstart staff and daycare providers. Storyhours were
held to demonstrate use of the kits.
- Kits were distributed to Headstart families throughout the 2001-2002 school year. Day care providers and the
school district's pre-kindergarten program were included in the kit circulation rotation.
Staffing:
- Library Director: 75 hours (in-kind)
- Project Staff: 162 hours
- Cooperating Agency Staff: 15 hours
- Volunteers: 10 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services: $1,900.00
- Supplies & Materials: $6,947.00
- In-Kind Costs: $1,250.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- Attendance: 21 people attended the training workshops; 40 children and 15 adults attended story-hours where
kits were demonstrated
- Qualitative:
- Parents, elementary school teachers, daycare providers and a reading specialist completed kit evaluation forms.
All responses were extremely enthusiastic.
Changes/recommendations:
More time must be allocated for the development and assembly of the kits.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Preschoolers
- Services to Day Care Providers
- Parent Education
Middle Country Public Library
Barbara Jordan
(631) 585-9393 x224
Family Place Literacy Institute
$18,371.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
A training institute was conducted for a statewide audience of children's librarians. The institute was designed
to give librarians an understanding of the principles of both emergent and adult literacy as well as program models
that integrate family literacy principles that work well in public library settings.
Needs addressed:
To effectively work with families and young children, librarians need to have both a theoretical understanding
of literacy issues and a practical understanding of programming that works well with various audiences. This two-day
institute was developed to serve as a prototype professional training opportunity that could be repeated with other
audiences.
Target audience:
Children's librarians in New York State who would bring back to the parents and children in their communities
the theory and practice introduced to them at the institute. Twenty-four children's librarians from throughout
New York participated in the institute.
Community partners and their roles:
- Department of Family Studies at SUNY Stony Brook - conducted early learning session; helped design evaluation
tools
- National Center for the Parent-Child Home Program - conducted model family literacy program and prepared informational
hand-outs
- Literacy Volunteers of America - conducted adult literacy segment and prepared informational handouts.
- Libraries for the Future - conducted segment on the role of the librarian
- Jennifer Birchmayer of Cornell University - conducted segment on emergent literacy and selected materials for
the participant packet
- Middle Country Public Library - overall coordination; developed and distributed a statewide application; assisted
in the development of two evaluation instruments.
Specific activities:
Twenty-four librarians from across the state were invited to this two-day institute where experts in the fields
of early literacy, adult literacy and family programming presented information and shared materials. They completed
evaluation instruments immediately after the institute and were sent post institute evaluations four months later
to measure the training impact.
Staffing:
- Professional Staff - 150 hours
- Clerical Staff - 200 hours
- Cooperating Agency Staff - considerable
Costs:
- Professional Salaries - $2,800.00
- Support Salaries - $1,830.00
- Purchased Services - $4,000.00
- Supplies & Materials - $4,835.00
- Travel Expenses - $4,906.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 24 children's librarians attended institute; 16 librarians reported making changes in program, collections,
space design or services for parents and children as a result of the institute; 6 libraries have applied for funding
to implement new programs; 6 libraries report planning to implement one of the four new family literacy programs
introduced.
- Qualitative
- questionnaires returned directly after the program and four months later to assess impact.
Changes/recommendations:
Increase both the time and cost allocations for professional and clerical staff needed to coordinate this project.
Categories of Service:
- Professional Development - Librarians
- Service to Preschool Children
- Service to Newborns and Toddlers
- Parent Education
New Rochelle Public Library
Patricia Anderson
(914) 632-7878 x12
Satellite Library at the Mascaro Boys and Girls Club
$26,692.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
A library collection was established in the Mascaro Branch of the Boys and Girls Club to support an after school
tutorial program and provide reference information
Needs addressed:
The Mascaro Boys and Girls Club is in a physically isolated section of the community serving mostly low-income
Latino families. This project was designed to offer access to library services.
Target audience:
The service area of the Mascaro Boys and Girls Clubs includes low income, minority and immigrant population.
The primary target audience was school age children between the ages of 6-12. A parenting collection was established
for parents.
Community partners and their roles:
- New Rochelle Boys and Girls Club - with the library, planned how services would be provided; renovated space
to create satellite library
- Columbus Grammar School - identified and encouraged families to participate in library programs
Specific activities:
- A satellite library with a computer link to the Westchester Library System was established. It offered a homework
assistance program, a family literacy program, reader guidance and an end of school year party.
Staffing:
- Library Staff - ordered books, trained the Mascaro staff, prepared flyers and helped with programs
- Cooperating Agency Staff - operated the satellite library
Costs:
- Professional Staff: $2,967
- Support Staff: $1,552
- Purchased Services: $6,694
- Materials: $12,862
- Equipment $2,594
Evaluation
- Quantitative:
- Number of juvenile users: 125
- Number of parent users: 15
- Hours of service per week: 8
- Qualitative:
- Enthusiastic community response to all programs
Changes/recommendations:
Greater staff involvement at the Boys and Girls Club Unit would help planning process.
Categories of Service:
- Service to School Age Children
- Homework Help
- Parent Education
- Family Programs
Newburgh Free Library
Doris Free, Project Director
(845) 561-1985
Jump Start with Head Start
$4,557.00
2001 -2002
Brief project description:
A series of computer literacy skills workshops and library orientations were provided to bi-lingual children
and their parents
Needs addressed:
It was observed that parents of Hispanic children were frustrated because they were unable to help children
in doing homework or in using the library's computers.
Target audience:
Hispanic parents and children from the Head Start program.
Community partners and their roles:
- Newburgh Free Library - provided orientation and instruction for parents in using library computers and knowing
about the library collection and services.
- Newburgh Community Action Committee's Head Start - provided access to the intended audience and an organizational
structure to facilitate program delivery.
Specific activities:
- Hispanic parents attended either 4 or 6 week bi-lingual sessions that taught them computer skills during the
first hour. During the second hour, they were engaged in sharing these skills and educational software with their
children.
Staffing:
- Librarian/Instructor spent 2 hours preparing and 2 hours delivering each session. Ordering the software took
2 hours
- Library Technical Staff spent 20 hours loading and adjusting programs.
- Parent Liaisons from Head Start cared for children during the first hour of parent instruction.
- Head Start staff contacted parents and insured attendance.
Costs:
- $2,965.00 salary for substitute librarian while librarian conducted programs
- $1,592.00 purchase of multiple copies of software
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 41 program participants
- 12 workshops offered
- Qualitative:
- Evaluation form was completed during the third session to assure that participants needs were being met.
Changes/recommendations:
None
Categories of Service:
- Services to School-Age Children
- Parent Education
Olean Public Library
Kathleen Price
(716) 372-0200
Books: The Best Medicine for the Mind - Part II
$17,574.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
This is a continuation of a 1999 grant to establish "Reach Out and Read" (ROR) centers based on the
model developed at the Boston Hospital. This library-medical community partnership helped medical staff at two
sites to educate parents about the importance of reading with young children.
Needs addressed:
Families who have low literacy skills and who are in a low socioeconomic population will often respond positively
to advice from trusted people in professional positions. Parents tend to follow through when doctors tell them
to read to their young children. Research is conclusive that early literacy experiences in the home have a direct
influence on children's early reading success in the classroom.
Target audience:
Although the program was directed toward Cattaraugus County families with a lower socioeconomic status all children
from birth to five years who visited participating pediatricians for well-child visits received the service.
Community partners and their roles:
- Olean Public Library - made all necessary arrangement to have 3 medical facilities designated ROR sites; conducted
4 workshops for medical staff at each site; selected and purchased books for medical facilities; recruited volunteers
to help with book inventory; provided information for nine classes for expectant parents.
- Olean General Hospital & Olean Medical Group - 100% attendance at training sessions; provided space and
staff to distribute books and advice at well-child visits
- The Friends of the Library of Olean NY - provided "Books for Newborns" packets for distribution to
new parents; recruited volunteers
- Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System - provided ordering and distribution support for materials
- Member Libraries in Cattaraugus County - provided support materials to parents who had received "prescriptions
to read" from their children's doctor
Specific activities:
- Three medical facilities applied for and were chosen to be ROR sites
- Medical personnel at each facility attended workshops on how best to advise clients of the importance of reading
to their young children
- Books and other learning materials were provided to each medical facility for use by patients in waiting rooms
- Each medical facility was supplied with gift books to be given to children at well-child visits
- Librarian made presentations at expectant parent classes and books for newborns were distributed
Staffing:
- Project Director - 3-5 hours per week
Costs:
- Professional Salaries - $2,919.00
- Support Staff - $2,138.00
- Supplies and Materials - $11,785.00
- Travel $345.00
- Benefits - $387
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 450 pieces of written information have been put in waiting rooms in pediatric offices; 1600 books have been
distributed to 500 families; all medical personnel have received workshop literacy training; 7 member libraries
have received $350 each for early childhood materials.
Changes/recommendations:
It is most important to establish a contact in the medical community before beginning the project. This project
took approximately 22 months largely because of administrative red tape at the medical facilities.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Newborns and Toddlers
- Services to Pre-School Children
- Parent Education
- Services to Low Income Families
Patterson Library Association
Maureen Pasko
(914) 878-6662
Lifelong Learners: Parents and Children
$37,520.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
In its second year of grant funding, this year's after-school enrichment program was for children who were failing
one or more academic subjects or repeating a grade in school. The project promoted development of critical thinking
and problem solving skills.
Needs addressed:
The partners had worked together on the first year of the grant. They determined that middle school children
who were failing were not receiving the additional academic help they needed. They felt their program, which offered
a structured learning environment after school, could be adapted to meet the needs of these students.
Target audience:
Middle school students who were either failing one or more academic subjects and students who had been retained
for a year to repeat a grade. Workshops for the entire community of students and parents in Putnam County were
also scheduled.
Community partners and their roles:
- Mount Tremper Outdoor Ministries - provided site for project and assisted project director in all aspects of
day to day operations and evaluation
- Patterson Library Association - provided after school library training for middle school students; supervised
every phase of project.
- George Fisher Middle School - identified students for participation in project
Specific activities:
- 22 students attended after school sessions twice weekly to improve academic skills, increase problem solving
skills and participate in team building activities
- Students and parents attended study skill workshops
- Weekly communication with classroom teachers to monitor students' progress
- Students participated in health workshops, trips to the library and other field trips
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 38 hours
- Project Staff - 15 hours per week
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $29,106.00
- Supplies and Materials - $4,567.13
- Salaries for Support Staff - $4,475.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 22 students were served by the program by the end of the year. Program maintained a 75% attendance rate; 100%
advanced to next grade level; 80% increased report card scores; 65% were removed from at-risk list; 40% of participants
and parents attended study skills workshops.
- Qualitative
- students were involved in a variety of evaluation activities so that they could monitor their own progress;
portfolios were kept for each child.
Changes/recommendations:
The challenge is to increase parental involvement. Increasing school involvement could probably be accomplished
by initiating earlier and more frequent contacts with faculty members. Classroom space was limited.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Young Adult
- Services to Struggling Readers
- Parent Education
- Homework Help
Patterson Library
Deborah R. Williams
(716) 326-2154
Books Good Enough To Eat
$8,176.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
Parents were invited to an information session about the new NYS Standards for English/Language Arts in grades
1-4. Three "Books Good Enough to Eat" programs were presented at the library. Programs combined book
talks and dinner for parents and children. Student program participants received a free paperback and badge and
were invited to join a reading club.
Needs addressed:
The most recent results of the NYS English/Language Arts assessment administered to fourth graders at the Westfield
school indicated that 48.8% of the students scored in the two lowest level of achievement. The elementary school
principal wished to inform parents of the new learning stories and give them more support for reading at home.
Target audience:
Children in grades 1-4 and their parents or caregivers.
Community partners and their roles:
- Westfield Academy and Central School -hosted the kick-off informational session about the standards for parents
and provided child-care; distributed publicity and encouraged participation.
- New York State Parent Teacher Association P.A.R.P. Chairman - helped define need for the project and recommended
names of booktalk presenters
- Westfield Parent Teacher Student Association - provided food for the three parent-child "Books Good Enough
to Eat" programs in the library; distributed publicity and encouraged participation; participated in evaluation
activities
- Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Chautauqua County - implemented initial program on NYS Learning
Standards
Specific activities:
- Kick-off informational program for parents about the new NYS Learning Standards was held at the elementary
school with child-care provided.
- Three "Books Good Enough to Eat" programs of booktalks and dinner were presented at the library.
Bibliographies of books suggested by the NYS Education Department were distributed
- Participants were invited to join a reading club to keep track of their progress
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 100 hours
- Project Staff - 121
- Partnership Staff - 15 hours
- Volunteers - 50 hours
Costs:
- Professional Salaries - $638.00
- Purchased Services - $1,126.00
- Supplies & Materials - $5,298.00
- Purchased Services - $170.00
- Travel -$485.00
- Benefits - $49.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 300 library books added to collection; 6,000 bibliographies distributed; 45 parents attended program on learning
standards; average attendance at 3 library programs was 50120 paperback books distributed to participants.
- Qualitative
- Parent surveys and anecdotal comments
Changes/recommendations:
Bibliographies of the NYS English/Language Arts suggested titles and the publications on learning standards
should have been distributed during the first parent meeting at the school. The reading club component may be more
appropriate to summer library programming. This change would avoid duplication with school reading incentive programs.
Visible program promotion is essential.
Categories of Service:
- Services to School Age children
- Parent Education
- Family Programs
James Prendergast Library Association
Camille Guinnane
(716) 484-7135 x234
PARENT: Parents are Reading Educators, Nurturing Teachers
$17,426.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
Lesson packets on various pre-reading activities were distributed to parents of pre-school children through
the library and other organizations serving families with newborns, families with young children and teen parents.
Needs addressed:
Research clearly demonstrates that children's reading ability is based on their experiences with print during
the pre-school years. This program was designed to help parents introduce their young children to literacy-related
activities.
Target audience:
Parents with children six years and younger in the immediate Jamestown NY area. A special effort was made to
include parents who lack literacy skills themselves.
Community partners and their roles:
- James Prendergast Library - implemented and evaluated program, supervised project staff.
- Jamestown Public Schools - made kindergarten and grade 1 packets available to appropriate families
- TEAM (Teenage Education and Motherhood) - made birth to age 1 packets available; duplicated packets for ages
3 and 4.
- TLC (Touch, Love and Communicate) - made birth and ages 1 & 2 packets available
- Extra Edge - recruited and directed instructors to create prototype packets for ages 2 to 1st grade.
Specific activities:
Packets for each of six age groups and a packet of remedial lessons were created and duplicated. Their purpose
was to help parents introduce reading-readiness activities to their children. Community partners distributed packets
and modeled their use with parents. The first year packets are available on computer disk to any organization or
library interested in duplicating the project.
Staffing:
- Project Director - 12 hours per month
- Clerical Staff - 20-24 hours per month
- Project Staff - 80 hours per month
- Cooperating Agency Staff - 495 hours introducing packets; 66 hours assembling packets; 42 hours attending seminar.
Costs:
- Salaries and Benefits - $4,806.00
- Purchased Services - $8,240.00
- Supplies and Materials - $4,389.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 213 packets were assembled; 548 packets were used by families; 12 PARENT seminars were held with an attendance
of 137; 3 workshops for 37 participants were held to assist other organizations in making packets.
- Qualitative
- evaluations were completed for packets and for seminars.
Changes/recommendations:
Better communication was needed between library staff and Extra Edge staff during the development of he packets.
Librarians eventually were seen as excellent resources for the literature included in the packets but this was
only after Extra Edge staff had designed activities for books that were out of print. Booklists, compiled after
the packets were reproduced were problematic in that many appropriate books were out of print and new ones had
to be substituted.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Newborns and Toddlers
- Services to Preschoolers
- Parent Education
- Services to Young Adults (Teen Parents)
Richmond Memorial Library
Sandra A. Gillard
(716) 343-9550
Special People, Special Needs
$7,550.00
2000-2001
Brief project description:
Story hours and literature related materials were provided for emotionally and physically disabled children
enrolled in local BOCES program and for students at the New York State School for the Blind.
Needs addressed:
The 1986 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act indicates that children with special needs should be incorporated
into programs that help integrate them into the community. Library programs present a perfect setting where children
with special needs can be accommodated in community wide events
Target audience:
Disabled children in the Batavia area - 68 children who attend the New York State School for the Blind and 100
students affiliated with BOCES who attend schools in the Batavia district.
Community partners and their roles:
- NYS School for the Blind - sent classes to the library for story-sessions; encouraged parents to attend workshops;
advised on material selection and workshop speakers; completed evaluations
- Genesee Valley BOCES - sent classes to the library for story sessions; encouraged parents to attend workshops;
advised on material selection and workshop speakers; completed evaluations
- NIOGA Library System -organized spring workshop for librarians; oversaw compilations of kits; completed evaluations
- Richmond Library Trustees - examined grant report to evaluate results for future grants
Specific activities:
- Story hours were provided for special education students from the NYS School for the Blind and the Genesee
Valley BOCES. Parents were also invited to a workshop to observe story sharing techniques and learn about special
library materials
- Materials specifically appropriate for special needs students were purchased
- A half-day workshop for librarians was held to suggest ways libraries could meet the special needs of children
who have a disability
Staffing:
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $750.00
- Travel Expenses - $100.00
- Supplies and Materials - $6,700.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 192 students from the NYS School for the Blind attended 25 story hour programs; 733 students from Genesee Valley
BOCES attended 47 programs; 6 kits with multi-sensory materials were assembled and circulated; 25 parents attended
the parent workshop; 25 librarians attended the workshop for librarians; all materials purchased by the grant have
excellent circulation figures.
- Qualitative
- evaluations were completed for every phase of the project
Changes/recommendations:
The grant was very time consuming. Other libraries might consider hiring a staff person to help with the additional
workload.
Categories of Service:
- Service to Pre-School Children
- Services to School Age Children
- Services to Special Needs Children
- Parent Education
- Professional Development - Librarians
Go to Parent & Child Library Services Program
Page
Last modified on January 10, 2003 -- asm
For questions or comments contact Anne E. Simon.
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/parchld/01digest.htm