Managing Director, Programs & Partnerships Raising A Reader
Libraries and library systems across the country have sought an effective way to play a role in their local community's early literacy, family engagement and/or fight against poverty. As communities often start this work by focusing on early literacy, libraries sought ways to remove barriers, provide diverse books in multiple languages, support preschool teachers and help families in establishing shared reading routines. Further, libraries sought turnkey programs that would not only provide materials but build their capacity to work with limited resources and staffing. Once featured in School Library Journal, Raising A Reader, a national family engagement and early literacy organization, was selected by dozens of libraries across the country as a strategy to strengthen families through shared reading and to play a part in ending the cycle of poverty.
This poster presentation will feature the work of library systems across the country including Monroe County Library System (NY), San Mateo County Libraries (CA), the Wayne County Library (NC) and the King County Library System (WA) and their approach to outreach and engagement with community agencies and families using Raising A Reader. Case studies from selected library stysems will be shared, including their community outreach strategies, implementation of a Raising A Reader program, and overall results. Anecdotal evidence, pre/post survey data and early literacy data will be presented as charts, graphs and other engaging graphics. Further, illustrative examples of program implementation and sample materials will be shared.