Redesign Sparks Increase in Library Program Attendance

Foundation for Early Learning is delighted to feature a guest blog post from Mary Neuman, a librarian at Asotin County Library, a member of the Early Learning Public Library Partnership. If you are interested in being featured in the Foundation's blog, please contact Joel Ballezza, Communications Manager at joel@earlylearning.org.

Asotin County Library has experienced a big increase in participation after redesigning our story times last spring to become Play & Learn at our downtown branch and Discovery Time at the Heights branch. After attending training on incorporating math and science into library programs using What's the BIG Idea? ™, materials, we were eager to implement the ideas. Shortly after the training, the Child Care Resource and Referral Center at Washington State University approached us about hosting a Family, Friend & Neighbor “Play & Learn” Support Group for caregivers and children.

The new program, which combined elements of our previous story times with math and science concepts and Every Child Ready to Read early literacy skills, was an immediate success. By mid-summer, an average of 60 children and caregivers were attending the weekly 90-minute program. We are planning to schedule two sessions a week this summer in order to accommodate the steadily increasing numbers.

This new approach has been well-received for several reasons:

• It gives children and caregivers a chance to socialize with others.
• Parents and caregivers appreciate the interactive approach to learning through play and hands-on activities.
• Many people in our community can’t afford to send their child to preschool.
• We are tolerant of, and even encourage, noise and messy activities!
  

After experiencing the fun and learning that happen at Play & Learn and Discovery Time, we know we’ll never go back to our old story time model. The positive comments from caregivers, staff, and other library patrons confirm that we are filling an important niche in our community.