The name (at least for the moment) of the ALSC committee I co-chair is Library Services to Underserved Children and their Caregivers. It’s a mouthful and in the two years I’ve been part of the committee, the word in there I’ve thought about most is Underserved. But lately, it’s that last word that really has me thinking: Caregivers. Recently, one of my LIS students shared that she was writing her capstone about the benefits adults get (or don’t) from parent-child programs in libraries. I assumed she meant the benefits as a caregiver: being a child’s first teacher, how to model behaviors, those kinds of things. But as we talked more about her ideas, what she actually meant were the benefits for the adult participants as people. This was, I am embarrassed to admit, a bit of a surprise to me. I assumed if an adult wanted their own needs met…
Tag: caregivers
How to Speak with Caregivers about Literacy
As librarians, reading and literacy are concepts that have been ingrained into our practice. Growing up, many of us most likely enjoyed reading or being around books. However, that is not the case for all who walk through our doors. Many people have negative memories about learning to read, didn’t like reading, or didn’t have it as a routine in their home. When initiating conversations about literacy with caregivers, it’s important to know how to speak with respect on this topic so that we can empower and serve our patrons to the fullest extent. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when talking with caregivers about how to support their child’s reading journey.
Creating a Welcoming Culture for Caregivers at Storytime
We often talk about how to create inclusive environments for our library Storytimes. However, the conversation tends to focus on children. What about the grown-ups?
Back to School with Special Education Students at the Public Library
When Back to School season rolls around, libraries across the country fill displays with books about new teachers and first day jitters. Your library may host an evening for school staff, where they can learn all about library services. You may offer an exclusive teachers-only Friends of the Library book sale. But typically, families with students in special education may not get all the support they need in the lead up to a new school year. Navigating the special education system is challenging – there are IEPs, 504s, evaluations, and tons of documentation – and families new to the IEP system can find it especially overwhelming. But what if the library could build a program that connected parents and caregivers with the expert advice and support they needed before they begin another adventure through special education?
Understanding Trauma in Underserved Children and Their Caregivers: The Vital Role of Librarians
Trauma is an all-too-common experience for many children and their caregivers, particularly those in underserved communities. The effects of trauma can be profound and long-lasting, influencing every aspect of a child’s development and a caregiver’s ability to provide support. Libraries, as we know, have a unique role to play in recognizing and addressing trauma. By developing specialized programs and resources, librarians can provide support to those in need. Also, those who support the supporters. The ALSC Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee is currently constructing a toolkit designed to help librarians and library workers understand and address trauma, allowing families healing and growth. What is trauma? According to Merriam-Webster, Trauma is 1 a: an injury (such as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent b: a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury c: an emotional…
Cookies and Conversation: Early Childhood Programming
On Sunday, June 23 at ALA Annual, ALSC’s Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee (ECPS) hosted a Cookies and Conversation chat in the Networking Uncommons. The goal of this chat was to hear from children’s librarians across the country about what support they would like from ECPS in order to help ECPS plan their next project. We highlight a handful below, but check out the ALSC Connect page for the full set of topics covered.