Part D
Programmes and community outreach activities
Effective programming and community outreach activities need to be designed to reflect the changing population and diversity of the local community. This requires an understanding of the demographic composition of the community. Children’s librarians can show a commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice in working with their local communities by providing services, programmes and resources that reflect the particular needs of those communities, and by engaging with and listening to the community. It is important that librarians observe and listen to customers and plan services appropriate to their needs.
Public libraries have a special responsibility to support the process of learning to read, and to promote books and other media for children. Children’s libraries provide an opportunity for children to experience the enjoyment of reading and the excitement of discovering knowledge and works of the imagination. Children and their parents and caregivers should be supported in making the best use of a library and how to develop skills in the use of printed and electronic media. Children’s librarians promote reader development as an active intervention to increase confidence and enjoyment of reading and offer opportunities for children to share their reading experiences. The children’s library should provide special events for children of all abilities, such as storytelling and activities related to the library’s services and resources. It is also important to engage children and young adults by involving them in the co-creation of activities such as reading clubs, tutoring and crowdsourcing.
Activities and programmes can include:
- Library orientation programmes
- Information literacy and family literacy activities
- Reading promotion and reader development
- Lending services
- Reading clubs
- Cultural programmes
- Homework clubs
- Author visits and storytelling events
- LGBTQ+ programmes such as Drag Queen Storytime or Rainbow Storytime
- Baby and toddler Rhyme Time
- Craft activities
- Coding clubs and events
- Makerspace activities
- Creative play
- Music and drama events
In promoting community outreach the library should ensure services for all community members, including, for example, children with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and those whose lives have been stigmatized. To support inclusion, the library should inform disability organisations about accessible collections and services at the library and engage them in outreach and programme development. Children’s librarians can reach out to educators who are often the first to identify children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or autism. Information about accessibility should be provided on the library website and also on promotional materials. All programmes and activities should be inclusive as it is not always obvious if a child in the audience has a disability.