Maryland Libraries Promote Early Literacy

Maryland libraries are transforming how they interact with families. Moving beyond traditional storytimes and other activities directed at children, libraries are implementing a new approach to promoting early literacy that focuses on educating parents and caregivers. Utilizing the evidence-based curriculum Every Child Ready to Read @ your library, librarians are teaching adults about the importance of early literacy and how to nurture childrens pre-reading skills. The Library Partnership, a collaboration of the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators (MAPLA), provides training and technical assistance to librarians statewide to help them implement the curriculum with fidelity. Funds from the states Race to the Top “ Early Learning Challenge grant support the work. The number of libraries participating in the program has grown from five to seventeen since it began. Parent attendance at these libraries has increased, and feedback about the welcoming climate and useful resources has been very positive.

Reviewed January 2016.