Parent and Child Library Services Program
Grant Project Report
1998-1999
COUNTING ON KIDS AND BOOKS
$39,000
1998
New York Public Library, The Branch Libraries
Julie Cummins, Project Director
(212) 340-0903
Brief project description:
Seventy branch libraries were provided with additional resources in order to improve services in
developing children’s math abilities. This was accomplished through the purchase of books and CD
ROM’s, and through offering workshops for parents in how to help children with math activities at home.
Needs addressed:
The New York City Board of Education has targeted math and reading as top priorities based on the results of recent standardized tests. Librarians also report that parents increasingly seek materials to help their children learn mathematics.
Target audience:
Parents of pre-school and primary school age children in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Community partners and their roles:
- Library Unit of the New York City Board of Education – consulted during planning phase of project
- WNET – Channel 13 – publicized the project in bimonthly newsletter to parents
- New York Public Library – selected and purchased materials; prepared a brochure on math activities; held 30 workshops for parents; publicized and evaluated program.
Specific activities:
- 1,960 math books were selected and purchased to add to the collections in 70 branch libraries
- 268 CD-ROM’s were purchased for 67 branch libraries
- 20,000 copies of brochure, Counting on Kids and Books were printed and distributed
- 2 training sessions were conducted to prepare staff for parent workshops
- 30 parent workshops were conducted
Staffing:
Library Staff – 511 hours
Costs:
- Purchased Services - $9,594
- Supplies and Materials - $29,406
- NYPL provided additional funds ($33,467) to supplement materials portion of the grant.
Evaluation:
- Quantitative Measures – statistics kept on number of math books, CD-ROM’s purchased, number of brochures printed, attendance at workshops.
- Qualitative Measures – "project received a high level of interest and terrific response from the public."
Changes/recommendations:
- No changes recommended. This project can easily be replicated on a much smaller scale for other library systems.
Categories of service:
- Services to School Age Children
- Parent Education
Go to Parent & Child Library Services Program Page
Last modified on February 29, 2000/djr
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/parchld/nypl.htm