Program
ALA Unit/Subunit: PLA
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
In 2017, the Public Library Association and the Global Family Research Project released the Ideabook: Libraries for Families publication, which was the result of nearly two years of research and investigation into how library programs can and do engage parents and caregivers in their children’s education, across the age spectrum. The book proposes how public libraries can use the five “Rs” framework—reach out, raise up, reinforce, relate, and reimagine—to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with families in their communities. Public libraries are accessible, offering diverse, intergenerational programming and serving families from low income homes at a high rate compared to other community providers. This session will review the state of family engagement based on research in the education field and among library directors, and explain the new public library framework and how it can be applied to library programs, professional development, community partnerships and strategic planning. Audience members will be challenged to take typical library programs and implement the framework on them, to make them stronger programs with better outcomes for families.
Scott Allen
Deputy Director
American Library Association, Public Library Association
Jo Giudice
Director of Libraries
Dallas Public Library
Maren Ostergard
Early Literacy/Outreach Librarian
King County Library System