My community has just launched a regional initiative based on The Basics. Our library is just starting to join the discussion and we are seeing that The Basics make a wonderful partner to Every Child Ready to Read which we already use in our community and with our storytimes. The simple language and videos that show diverse families putting The Basics into practice can be a powerful tool for libraries. We are looking forward to working within our community as a part of this initiative.
The Basics
The Basics began in Boston in 2015 and has been spreading across the country and world ever since.
“The Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children aged 0-3 grow to be happy and smart.”
One of the key principals and the way libraries have been invited into this initiative is through a concept called socioecological saturation. The idea is that if all community organizations are using the same language to encourage and support parents then the community will become saturated. I love the idea of us all speaking the same language from schools to health care to libraries and beyond.
Other Communities
Erin Lovelace is a Children’s Librarian in Virginia and the Co-Chair of the Library Service to Undeserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee. Erin loves science fiction and fantasy, serving tiny library users, petting cats, and sewing.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: I. Commitment to Client Group and V. Outreach and Advocacy.