Public libraries and family services
Libraries are well-placed to work with the family services team to help parents give their
children the best start in life. Several councils have their own ‘book bags for babies’
scheme and, more often than not, this is managed by the maternal and child health team
in partnership with the library service. It’s a natural connection:
Libraries provide free literacy resources to families.
They host rhyme and song sessions for babies, and storytimes for pre-schoolers.
They employ specialist children’s and youth services staff to help parents develop
the skills to share books with their children from birth onwards.
While early literacy gives children the best start, there’s also a need to keep children
reading, especially as they make the transition from primary to secondary school.
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation has formed a highly successful partnership with
Melbourne Football Club entitled ‘Read and Write like a Demon’. Players visit libraries
and schools in the region to connect with young people. Children are encouraged to enter
a creative writing competition, write to their favourite players and post their own book
reviews on the ‘Read like a Demon’ blog.
The program has been particularly successful in re-engaging boys in the City of Casey and
Cardinia Shire, and it has also been adopted by Bayside Libraries.
http://readlikeademon.blogspot.com
More information can be found at www.plvn.net.au.
February 2012