Parent and Child Library Services Program
Grant Project Reports
2002-2003
Brooklyn Public Library
Donna Hubbard
718-455-3898 ex. 114
Family Literacy Backpacks --PowerPACK
$39,374.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: Backpacks containing age appropriate books, videos, puzzles and games, along
with activity guides for parents, were created to involve parents with the literacy activities of their pre-school
and elementary-aged children.
Needs Addressed: Poor reading scores of over 50% of Brooklyn's fourth graders prompted the development
of power-PACKS (Parent and Child Knowledge Saks). PACKS are also available for Spanish speaking children and children
with hearing or visual impairments.
Target Audience: Students from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 8, including Spanish/Bilingual students
and visually impaired and hearing impaired students living in the following Brooklyn communities: Bedford Stuyvesant,
Bushwick, Coney Island, Crown Heights South, Flatlands, Ocean Hill and Williamsburg.
Community Partners and Their Roles:
- Storybook II Family Literacy Even Start-informed parents of pre-k students about PowerPACK (PP). Teachers used
PPs in their classrooms.
- Audrey Johnson Day Care-Informed teachers, parents and students about PP. Used PPs in classroom.
- Brooklyn Home Instructional Schools-encouraged families receiving Home Instruction to visit libraries with
PPs.
- Helen Keller Services for Blind-Children's Learning Center-Presented sample PP for Visually impaired.
- St. Frances De Sales School for the Deaf- circulated special needs PP.
Specific Activities:
- The distribution of 200+ PowerPACKS to the grade levels served was developed. Themes were identified and contents
were ordered.
- Staff orientation sessions were held at the 10 participating branches.
- Workshops were held for patrons with hearing disabled children
- Orientation at daycare centers.
- Carrie Banks presented on Library Services for deaf or hearing impaired at ALA conference.
Staffing:
- Library Staff-21 staff members on committee, 2-5 staff members at each branch
- Community partners-4 served on committee
Costs:
- Purchased Services-$3,500 for Graphic Designer and training specialist
- Supplies and Materials-$35,174 for display racks, bookpacks, contents of packs and promotional materials.
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 229 PowerPacks were created and distributed. These have been circulated more than 800 times.
- Qualitative
- 122 response cards were received. 96% of patrons evaluated the packs as "excellent"
Changes/Recommendations:
Order materials from bookstore for earlier delivery or place order earlier; hold committee meetings in July
instead of September. Displaying materials was effective-packs circulated without the need for a lot of staff promotion.
Categories of Service:
- Family Programs
- Services to School Age Children
- Learning kits
- Services to pre-school children
Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery
Eric Trahan
(518) 673-2314
Making Music Together
$7,050.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: The library brought parents and children together with curriculum-based workshops
and programs and materials based on music. In and after school programs taught songwriting and provided music programs
for families.
Needs Addressed: The program was designed to use music as a vehicle to supplement the teaching of academic
subjects, build creativity and learning skills and increase parental and community involvement in education.
Target Audience: Students and their parents or caregivers.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Canajoharie Central School District-school personnel assisted with planning and provided ideas on activities
to coordinate with school programs. The school recruited and scheduled providers and coordinated and publicized
the events.
Specific Activities:
- A school based workshop, followed by a public concert/dance, taught Latin music and dance.
- Eight after-school classes with music, crafts and songwriting were held at the library.
- Evening concerts were held for families
Staffing:
- Library Staff-108 hours
- School Staff-60 hours
- Volunteers-25 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services-$4,517 for workshops, in and after school programs, library workshops, publicity materials.
- Supplies and Materials-$ 2,564 for library books, AV materials, book bags
- Additional Funds-$ 2,250
- In Kind Costs-$ 100
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 300 students participated in the school workshops. 120 attended the public concert/dance. Total attendance
at the 8 after school sessions was 122. Total attendance at the six family concerts was 245. 198 items were added
to the library collection and have been circulated 406 times.
- Qualitative
- School based workshops were extraordinarily popular and well received by teachers. Written evaluations of the
after school program were positive. Informal interviews of families who attended the concert indicated a high level
of satisfaction. Users want more.
Changes/Recommendations: Start planning and promotion earlier.
Categories of Service:
- Service to school age children
- Family programs
Cohoes Public Library
Deborah Canzano
(518) 235-2570
Reading Together
$6,925.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: Cornell Cooperative Extension's Bookstart program trained parents to read with
their children and provided materials to start a home library.
Needs Addressed: The grant promoted library resources and familiarity with and comfort in a library setting
for the low income and low reading level community that the libraries serve.
Target Audience: Families served by the Cohoes and Watervliet Housing Authorities.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Cohoes and Watervleit Public Libraries- provided knowledge of the Bookstart program, trained Even Start staff,
offered library facilities, collections and knowledge of children's literature
- Riverfront Even Start Family Literacy Links Program- recruited families, ran workshops, kept statistics
Specific Activities:
- Parents attended 5 workshops at the library:
- Why Books
- Choosing Books for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children
- Using Books to Begin Conversations with Children
- Making Children's Books
- The Pubic Library.
- Parents and children participated in individual visits with Even Start staff and discussed concepts learned
in Bookstart workshops.
Staffing:
- Library Staff-50 hours
- Even Start Staff-135 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services-$2,180 for Even Start facilitator, child care problems
- Supplies and Materials $4,745 for workshop materials, childcare supplies, bibliographic materials and resources.
- Additional Funds-$ 2088.68
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 16 families serves, 17 workshop participants, 110 materials distributed.
- Qualitative
- Participants indicated improved understanding of concepts related to reading as families. Participants enjoyed
workshops.
Changes/Recommendations: Increase funding for books to be given to families. There was difficulty attracting
enough families, arrangements were made for taxis and car pools but these were not effective enough.
Categories of Service:
- Family Programs
- Parent Education
James Prendergast Library Association (Jamestown)
Camille Guinnane
716-484-7135 ext. 234
Sharing Stories: Establishing a Library Connection while Creating Literacy Pride and Cultural Awareness
$17,134.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: ESL students collected family stories and wrote and illustrated books.
Needs Addressed: The growth of the local Hispanic population necessitates enhanced ESL services, increased
sensitivity to cultural diversity and created greater opportunities for cultural art.
Target Audience: Children enrolled in ESL program and their families.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- James Prendergast Library Children's Department- co-planned project
- Jamestown Public Schools Department of World Languages- co-planned project
- Jamestown Public Schools After Schools Programs-included library as part of their program
- Reachout Ministries at First Church of God- included library as part of their program
- Kids @ Promise to XL-included library as part of their program
Specific Activities:
- Students collected stories on tape or in writing
- Students stories were translated into English or Spanish and illustrated
- Stories were edited and sent to be bound
- Copies of stories were distributed to the authors, the school and to the libraries circulating collection.
- A final reception was held
Staffing:
- Library staff: 32 hours/month
- Project staff: 146 hours for ESL and Spanish Teachers; 260 hours for After School Program staff.
Costs:
- Salaries and Benefits: $8,009 for project coordinator services
- Purchased Services: $3,750 for Spanish teacher's translation and editing services
- Supplies and Materials: $5,375 for books and other library materials
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 35 children wrote books. 85 books were published. 109 people attended the final reception
- Qualitative:
- Teachers were pleased with the effect of the project on their students. Authors and their parents were very
proud of the material produced.
Changes/Recommendations: Consider having instructor make participation mandatory; broaden focus to include
more groups-seek out church and youth groups; have final product available at time of celebration; be less ambitious
in scope and concentrate more on quality.
Categories of Service:
- Service to families where English is a second Language
- Service to school aged children
Mahopac Public Library
Patricia Kaufman
845-628-2009
C.O.R.E Computers and Online Research
$7,800.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: The library developed a set of core competencies for computer use by fifth
grade students. Workshops in the school and the public library taught students and parents together.
Needs Addressed: Mahopac schools utilize a web-based software that allows parents to track their children's
performance. Some families do not have computers or access to the internet. Furthermore, some students are lacking
in basic computer skills. Students need to gain skills in evaluating online material and to develop a better understanding
of the resources available at the library.
Target Audience: The fifth grade classes of Lakeview elementary schools and their parents.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Mahopac Central School District- Assisted in definition of core competencies, provided equipment and space
for workshops, provided technical support, distributed information about library computer and internet resources.
- Lakeview Elementary School PTO- Provided after school workshops.
- Mahopac Library Board of Trustees- Provided staff, equipment and space for workshops.
Specific Activities:
- Five one-hour workshops were held for each of the 6 fifth grade classes.
- 12 workshops were held after school
- 12 library-based workshops were held for parents
- $1,000 of print and non-print material was purchased to reinforce workshop instruction.
- Library developed 10,000 copies of brochure for distribution in the community.
Staffing:
- Library staff-60 hours
- Project staff-246 hours
- Cooperating agency staff-48 hours
Costs:
- Purchased services: $6,966 for workshop provider and printing costs
- Supplies and Materials: $ 1206 for library books, software and videos
Evaluation
- Quantitative:
- 127 students attended the workshops held in school. 8 students attended after school workshops. 16 parents
and children attended library workshops.
- Qualitative:
- Teachers felt that the classes were very successful. Students enjoyed research project.
Changes/Recommendations: Allot more time to planning. Ensure that space and equipment would meet the
needs of the project.
Categories of Service:
- Technology Projects
- Service to School age children
- Parent education
Middle Country Public Library (Centereach)
Mary Schumacher
631-585-9393 x 228
Family Place Long Island: Reaching Diverse Families
$25,000.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: A parent and child center with resources in other languages and learning activities
for young children from underserved families was created in four libraries.
Needs Addressed: This project addresses the need for resources for families that don't speak English
or are unfamiliar with or intimidated by libraries.
Target Audience: Diverse families living within the five participating library districts.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Freeport, Central Islip, Middle Country, Rockville Center and South Huntington Libraries - developed Family
Place and related materials.
- Libraries for the Future - staff training, evaluation, planning.
- Various religious and community organizations (e.g. BOCES, LVA) - provided publicity
- Various social service agencies - referred individuals and families to the library
Specific Activities:
- Identified a Family Place Outreach Librarian.
- Developed printed material in languages other than English.
- Increased collection materials in languages other than English.
- Developed a Family Place area.
- Developed partnerships with community agencies.
Staffing:
- Library staff-10.5 hours per week
- Partner agency staff-10.25 hrs/week
- Volunteers-.5 hours a week
Costs:
- Salaries: $15,000 for family place outreach librarians
- Purchased Services: $3,500 for evaluation consultants and translation services
- Supplies and materials: $6,500 for bilingual parenting materials and parent child Early Learning station for
Family Place area.
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 25 materials were translated into Spanish; 835 foreign language parenting and early childhood materials were
developed; an average of 228 families a day are visiting the family place areas; 810 families were served through
programs and outreach; 22 librarians attended the 8 workshops offered through Family Place.
- Qualitative
- Parents described the Family Places as "warm and welcoming." Librarians reported that the workshops
provided valuable information, raised sensitivities and made them more at ease about approaching diverse families.
Changes/Recommendations: Finding the statistics on the target families was a challenge. Perhaps it would
be useful to have new patrons give more info when they register, e.g., languages spoken.
Categories of Service:
- Service to families where English is a second language.
- Family Programs.
Middleburgh Library
Mary France
518-827-5142
Family Resources at the Library
$24,570.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: The Middleburgh library developed a resource collection for parents and caregivers
and an early childhood learning pace for toddlers/preschoolers.
Needs Addressed: Nineteen percent of the children in Schoharie County live below the poverty line. Health,
social and education resources are limited and primarily located in Cobleskill. Lack of transportation and lack
of awareness of the availability of resources preclude many families from receiving assistance.
Target Audience: Families with young children who are at risk in their social, academic and physical
development.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Schoharie County Community Action Program, Mohawk Valley Library system and Head start of Schoharie County
- provided planning assistance and publicity
- Dept. Of Health-Early Intervention program, Cooperative Extension of Schoharie County and Family and Community
Services of Schoharie County - provided workshops on development issues.
Specific Activities:
- Family Resource Centers were developed at each of the four Schoharie County Libraries.
- Workshops and story hours were held, informing families of available resources.
Staffing:
- Library Staff - 160
- Project staff- 120
- Cooperating agencies-48
Costs:
- Purchased services: $3,545.00 for story hour presenters, graphic design work, printing and clerical work
- Supplies and Materials: $ 19,680.00 for books, videos, toys, story hour carpets, brochure racks and storage
units.
- Travel Expenses: $683.00
- In-kind: $ 1,500.00 overhead and staff time
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- Sixteen workshops were held for parents and sixteen story hours were held for families. Total attendance at
the workshops was 8 and attendance for the story hours was 392. Each library purchased books, videos, educational
toys and other equipment. 1, 520 materials have been circulated.
- Qualitative:
- Verbal feedback indicated that participants were very pleased with programs. Children and parents were delighted
with the new range of materials available.
Changes/Recommendations: There was difficulty getting adults to participate on account of problems with
weather and scheduling conflicts. Better publicity may have helped.
Categories of Service:
- Family Programs
- Service to low-income families
- Service to pre-school children
The New York Public Library, The Branch Libraries
Margaret Tice
212-340-0903
Baby and Me: Lapsit Programs in the Urban Environment
$34, 617.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: A training program for children's librarians offered help and instruction
for planning children's programs in diverse urban settings. Librarians received training in offering lapsit/toddler
programs.
Needs Addressed: Over half of NYC schoolchildren read below grade level. Success in learning how to read
is based on developing pre-literacy skills early in life.
Target Audience: Children between the ages of 6 months and two years and their caregivers.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Bank Street College of Education: Planned the training of library staff and the lap sits themselves
- Various childcare centers: provided publicity and/or caregivers and children for the workshops.
Specific Activities:
- Planned and conducted training workshops.
- Selected and ordered Library materials, distributed materials to branches
- Children's librarians planned and held lapsit programs.
- Children's librarians evaluated programs and handed out surveys to participants.
Staffing:
- Library staff, administrative: 525 hours
- Branch children's librarians: 231 hours
Costs:
- Purchased services: $1, 110 for a trainer
- Supplies and materials: $33, 517 for instructional pamphlets, materials for programs and library materials
for parents and young children
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 34 workshops/programs were held. There were 689 workshop/program participants. 2,217 materials were circulated.
13,080 materials were distributed.
- Qualitative:
- Evaluation comments for the training workshops were very positive. 39 of 42 parents surveyed said they were
"satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the program.
Changes/Recommendations: Scheduling time with partners was difficult on account of busy schedules on
both sides. Strong ties with organizations with similar clients were useful in promoting attendance.
Categories of Service:
- Services to Newborns and toddlers.
- Family programs.
Ogdensburg Public Library
Bonnie Wright
(315) 393-4344
Babies, Parents, Books: A Project in Early Literacy Intervention
$40,700.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: Mothers were provided with an early literacy information packet. Libraries
developed or enhanced children's programming, areas and collections to make them more "baby-friendly."
Needs Addressed: St. Lawrence County has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the state. 25.4% of children
in the county live below the poverty level. 27% of adults over 25 in the county lack a high school diploma.
Target Audience: New mothers and their babies living in St. Lawrence County.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Health care agencies (hospitals, children's clinics, etc): Distributed packets and publicized library programs.
- Even Start, Head Start, Literacy Volunteers, Cornell Cooperative extension: distributed packets to clients
with babies or grandchildren.
Specific Activities:
- 41 librarians attended a workshop on infant literacy.
- Baby-friendly environments were created in 5 libraries.
- Books and materials appropriate for infants and toddlers were added to library collections.
- Gift bags were distributed to new parents featuring pamphlets on early literacy, library information and freebies.
- Libraries offered a series of lapsit programs
Staffing:
- Library staff: 136 hours
- Project staff: 650 + hours
- Volunteers: 123 hours
- Other Agencies: 57 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services: $803.00 for workshop presenter
- Supplies and Materials: $39, 240.00 for board books, baby bags and parenting, baby and toddler materials,
- Travel Expenses: $657.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 1,100 bags were distributed over the course of the grant year. 1,677 materials circulated. 987 users were
served.
- Qualitative:
- The bags were very successful in encouraging moms to read to their kids. The agencies involved were so pleased
to get the baby packets they want to publicize all the library's children's programs on a regular basis.
Changes/Recommendations: Training seminars should have a lot of hands on components
Categories of Service:
- Service to newborns and toddlers.
- Family programs.
- Service to low income families.
Olean Public Library
Kathleen M. Price
716-372-0200
Books Alive
$15,426.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: The Library developed and presented a literature-based family reading program
to encourage leisure reading.
Needs Addressed: Forty percent of fourth graders in the Olean school district either need extra help
to meet NYS reading criteria or have serious academic difficulties.
Target Audience: Children in grades 3,4 and 5 and their families.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Ivers J. Norton Elementary School - participated in program planning and book selection, scheduled programs,
provided facilities, provided follow up activities.
- Literacy Volunteers of America CC - Participated in planning, scheduled programs to facilitate participation
of Reading for Life families, provided adult literacy information and services.
Specific Activities:
- Developed six types of motivational family reading programs.
- Programs introduced families to age-appropriate children's literature.
- Motivational activities were presented at the programs to interest children in reading for pleasure.
Staffing:
- Library Staff-136 hours
- Project Staff-480 + hours
- Volunteers-123 hours
- Other Agencies- 57 hours
Costs:
- Salary costs-4,886 for library aide
- Purchased Services-$2,400.00 for adult literacy project coordinator and program guests
- Supplies and Materials-$8,160.00 for library books, program supplies and publications and materials.
- Travel Expenses-$657.00
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- Six programs with different themes were developed. Attendance was kept at programs.
- Qualitative
- Teachers observed increased interest in each type of literature as each program was presented. Children were
observed reading for pleasure.
Changes/Recommendations: Get more curriculum input during planning phase so tie-ins would be more obvious.
Only do one grade level at a time. Promote program to entire faculty and allow teachers choose which units to do
and when.
Categories of Service:
- Service to school-aged children
- Literacy Programs
Queens Borough Public Library
Rosanne Cerny
(718) 990-0716
Tots Learn Lots
$20,360.00
2002-03
Brief Project Description: Children were introduced to basic science and arithmetic concepts through
stories, rhymes and songs. Parents were offered workshops and given support material.
Needs Addressed: To expand the concept of emergent literacy development beyond print literacy. To encourage
children to learn basic science and math concepts as pre-schoolers.
Target Audience: Toddlers and pre-school children.
Community Partners and Their Roles.
- New York Hall of Science - provided planning input and a workshop for kids.
- Pediatric personnel at local hospitals and school staff -attended planning meetings.
Specific Activities:
- Two in-service trainings were held, focusing on instructing basic math and science concepts.
- Librarians incorporated math and science concepts into their "Toddler Time" activities.
Staffing:
- Library Staff- the planning committee met face-to-face for eight hours.
Costs:
- Purchased Services-$6,200 for program presenters and printing brochures
- Supplies and Materials-$14,160 for library books, puppets and other supplies
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 1,004 users served, 63 participating sites, 49 workshops/programs.
- Qualitative:
- 40 of the 44 staff reported that "The children seemed to enjoy the math and science programs." 42
of 44 staff said "I will continue to integrate math and science themes into my toddler programs."
Changes/Recommendations: Make sure that the staff from partner agencies are able to train together.
Categories of Service:
- Service to pre-school children
- Literacy programs.
Schenectady County Public Library
Serena Butch
(518) 388-4513
G.A.R.D.N.
$8,550
2002-03 (Year one of a two-year project)
Brief Project Description: Four "Seasons of Science" programs were offered for parents, grandparents
and children. Even Start Family Centers will be followed up with school programming and GARDN backpacks were made
available through the library.
Needs Addressed: Test results show that students in the Schenectady City School District are challenged
with regards to science proficiency. Additional opportunities to gain science competency are clearly needed.
Target Audience: Children in grades 4-5 and one parent or guardian.
Community Partners and their roles:
- Schenectady City School District - Participated in planning activities, scheduled activities held at schools.
- Community Gardens - planned the content of the public program to educate the target audience about the concept
of community garden space.
Specific Activities:
- Four Seasons of Science programs were held
- Three follow up programs were held at target schools
- Circulating kits were prepared
- A talk was given by Community Gardens of the Capital District
Staff:
- Science Educator - 40 hours
- Library staff - 100+ hours
Cost:
- Purchased services - $3,525 for graphic design, project director and information session by Capital District
Community Center
- Supplies and Materials - $5, 025 for backpacks, backpack contents, library books, magazines, audio, visual,
software, puzzles and toys
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 8 workshops were held with 159 participants. 16 kits and 18 other items were circulated. 3,000 flyers were
distributed
- Qualitative:
- Attendance increased due to word of mouth publicity. Families commented after each program on how much they
had enjoyed it.
Changes/Recommendations: Order materials earlier. Attendance by some of the targeted population was low
despite sending out fliers. Be aware of potential issues with transportation availability.
Categories of Service:
- Service to school aged children.
- Family programs.
- Service to underachieving school children
Swan Library (Albion)
Susan Rudnicky
(585) 589-4246
Las Familian En La Biblioteca
2002-03
$18,181
Brief Project Description: Library and community organization staff were trained in cultural sensitivity
and in how to provide targeted services and programs for Latino families. Collections were enhanced with bi-lingual
software for the GED, Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Cultural events and preparation
for success in school were the focus of family programs.
Needs Addressed: According to the 2000 census there were 1,719 Hispanic residents in Orleans county,
not including migrant workers. This population is underserved.
Target Audience: The Hispanic families in Orleans County, both migrant and permanent residents.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- Various Libraries-helped plan activities, hosted programs, selected library materials, etc.
- Even Start-helped plan Grant activities, selected materials, distributed publicity materials, participated
in staff and participant training.
- Orleans Agri-Business Child Development Migrant Head Start-translated and distributed promotional materials,
provided Spanish language story tellers.
- Various Community Organizations-provided demographic information.
Specific Activities:
- A staff member conducted a monthly story-time at local preschools.
- Bi-lingual story times were held at the library.
- Activities were held to celebrate Day of the Dead and Cinco De Mayo.
- Library card signups were translated into Spanish.
- In-Service training in bi-lingual collection development was held for library staff.
Staffing:
- Library staff - 300 hours
- OABCD Head Start - 5 hours
- Albion Even Start - 10 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $1,000 for artist and storyteller programs
- Supplies and Materials - $10,933 for bilingual books and software, printing and advertising.
- Equipment - $6, 188 for computers
Evaluation:
- Quantitative:
- 45,000 users were served. 18 programs were held. There were 261 program participants. 257 materials were circulated.
- Qualitative:
- Day of the Dead programs were wonderful and well attended. Children asked if they would be held again next
year. The participating artists were pleased with the events
Changes/Recommendations: Allot more funding for administrative help.
Categories of Service:
- Service to families where English is a second language
Warner Public Library (Tarrytown)
Patricia Cohen
(914) 631 2324
Families Reading Together
$19, 440
2002-03
Brief Project Description: Parenting classes in Spanish and English, parent and child story hours and
a reading teacher in the public Library were available in Tarrytown. In addition to fostering library use, the
project will focus on improving reading skills among elementary school students.
Needs Addressed: Tarrytown has a large percentage of immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America.
Many of these families are illiterate in Spanish as well as in English, and face economic challenges, which include
having to work long hours.
Target Audience: Elementary school students in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, particularly low-income students,
immigrants and those with low-literacy families.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- The Elizabeth Mascia Child Care Center: The director was consulted about the types of materials that were purchased
for the center
- Even Start Family Literacy program: The staff worked with the library to select materials for their program,
planned library visits and planned and conducted parenting programs.
- Local Community Centers: Helped in planning process and material development.
Specific Activities:
- A reading teacher was available in the library four hours a week to work with students on their reading skills.
- Family Book Clubs were held with stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish and English.
- Parenting workshops were held.
- Books and audiovisual materials were selected and distributed to participating agencies.
Staffing:
- Library staff: 15 hours/week
- Partner Agency Staff: 40 hours total
- Foundation of Public schools in Tarrytown: 40 hours total
Costs:
- Purchased Services: $ 6,054 for reading teacher, bilingual staff, parenting workshops facilitator, kick-off
author and translator.
- Supplies and Materials: $ 11,393 for bilingual books, tapes, parenting material, cassette players and publicity
materials.
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 17 workshops held. 290 program participants. 494 materials circulated. 267 materials distributed.
- Qualitative
- Closer relationships were formed with the participating agencies. Spanish language parenting materials have
been particularly popular. Many children came regularly to the teacher in the library and, according to their parents,
looked forward to meeting with her.
Changes/Recommendations: Reduce the scope of the project. It was perhaps too ambitious for one year.
Categories of Service:
- Service to families where English is a second language
- Parent Education
- Literacy Programs
- Service to low-income families
- Service to school age children
- Service to struggling readers
White Plains Public Library
Rosemary Rasmussen
(914) 422-1462
Cyber Families
2002-03
$5, 295
Brief Project Description: A bilingual librarian demonstrated basic computer skills for parents. Electronic
toys and games taught use of the mouse and reading software helped with pre-reading skills.
Needs Addressed: Some of the families utilizing Head Start literacy classes at the library were observed
to be reluctant to allow their children to use the library's computers. These same parents didn't use the library's
adult CyberSpot computers or the online catalogue. It was evident that the parents would benefit from the computer
instruction for their own skills and for their children's education.
Target Audience: Families attending the Head Start literacy classes. These families are new Hispanic
immigrants with low level English skills and low literacy.
Community Partners and their Roles:
- CDI Head Start: Worked with library's manager of children's services to plan to project and write the grant.
- Literacy Volunteers of Westchester: contracted to provide childcare and computer training.
Specific Activities:
- Parents received training on library computers while their children were cared for and received enrichment
activities. The basics of computer operation, word processing and internet use were taught.
- Software was purchased for the Head Start classrooms.
- Tours of the library , registration for library cards and seasonal story-times were held.
Staffing:
- Library Staff-165 hours
- Head Start Staff-40 hours
- Literacy Volunteers Staff-81 hours
Costs:
- Supplies and materials-$4,079.65 for books, software, batteries and toys
- Purchased Services-$1,215.00 for childcare
Evaluation:
- Quantitative
- 45% of parents attended program on a weekly basis. 100% of parents learned to use a mouse, 85% learned to access
the internet, 90% learned to use computer techniques to access books in the library, 50% learned basic word processing
skills. 50% of parents used library computers on a regular basis. 95% of families utilized library resources.
- Qualitative
- Most participants indicated that they would certainly apply what they had learned in their own lives. Camaraderie
was strong between participants who shared information amongst themselves. Technical problems and the duration
of the workshop discouraged some participants.
Changes/Recommendations: Shorter workshops might have catered better to participant's needs. Divide learners
into knowledge or ability groups. Provide materials to participants at the beginning so that they derive maximum
benefit.
Categories of Service:
- Technology projects
- Service to families where English is a second language.
- Parent Education
- Family Programs.
Go to Parent & Child Library Services Program
Page
Last modified on January 7, 2004 -- asm
For questions or comments contact Anne E. Simon.
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/parchld/03digest.htm