Photo by Yael Gonzalez on Unsplash
The library I work in is located in an underserved and low-income community. We have 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class visits every week and many of these students don’t know their birthday, address, or how to spell their last name. Many of the parents of these kids don’t have the time or resources to bring their kids to the library. Class visits are a step in the right direction, but I’d like to examine what else libraries can do to give these students the best chance at success.
The IMLS Focus: Engaging Communities article (2015) states that 80% of low-income children can’t read by 3rd grade. The article focuses on the importance of partnerships being made throughout the community, not only to help with early learning, but to help with other basic needs. A lot of these kids also need food and clothing.
For one, libraries can determine which grades and/or schools aren’t taking advantage of class visits to the library and librarians can go directly to the schools and give students and teachers information on upcoming events at the library. The librarians can also put on a storytime for the kids. I would also like to see libraries bringing materials to the schools for the kids who can’t make it to the library. The teacher can collect the books they check out and the librarians can pick them up at their next visit to the school. The goal would be to get kids excited about reading by bringing library resources straight to them. This eliminates some barriers and creates more accessible services.
Long-term relationships between libraries, schools, and other organizations can give kids a better life now, and a better future.
References
Gonzalez, Y. (2019). [Green frog drawing]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/green-frog-drawing-oV6RSDQlq8Q
Hill, C., Streams, S., Dooley, J., & Morris, L. (2015). IMLS focus: Engaging communities. Institute of Museum and Library Services. https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/whitepaper_convening3_final_9-2-2015_tagged.pdf
@smartinez Your idea for outreach and a proactive approach for librarians getting out into the schools is a good one. Community partnerships too might be a way to give more kids a chance to read, etc.