Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Webinars Work!

Today I "attended" my first Webinar. It was hosted by WebJunction, which is doing great things for public libraries nationwide. I was particularly interested in this webinar as it was focused on bilingual programming/story times in public libraries. Of course, this subject is very near and dear to my heart and I am always looking for new and innovative program ideas to attract underserved groups to the library.

The presenters discussed two programs from two different library systems: Seattle Public Library and San Francisco Public Library. Both geared their programming towards younger children to encourage family involvement. I thought this was a very good point that one of the presenters made: it is much easier to draw adults in for programming that is for their children than programming for themselves. It is also a really great way to encourage parent involvement in developing early literacy skills.

The Seattle Public Library first implemented its World Language Story Time to serve Chinese speaking patrons. The goal was to serve patrons in their native language as opposed to focusing on language acquisition skills. Community members fluent in Chinese conduct the story times, with start-up materials/kits provided by the library. Little staff supervision is required and story tellers undergo training to help them deal with any issues that may arise, and to make them familiar with early literacy skills.

The San Francisco Public Library Mission Branch has developed a bilingual Toddler Time conducted in English and Spanish for children and their parents or caregivers. This program was designed to fit closely with the Every Child Ready to Read program, and its activities are connected to the six early literacy skills important to development. By providing six activity stations (with changing activities) the program encourages child/parent interaction and learning in the native language. Though this program is only offered once a week it boasts a rate of 300 attendees each week!

Both programs showcase great ways to get patrons familiar with library services by providing children's programming. By getting families to become involved with developing early literacy skills it is likely that they will also become aware of the other great resources available through and at the public library. These great projects/programming ideas have certainly got the wheels turning!

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