Nicholas P. Sims Library
A Family Place Library
What Makes a Family Place Library?
Family Place is redefining children's services by emphasizing the importance of good health, early learning, parental involvement, and supportive communities in fostering young children's growth and development.
Our Family Place Library creates a welcoming environment tailored for children from birth, connecting parents to valuable resources and services both within the library and through family service agencies. By reaching out to non-traditional library users, we establish a supportive network that empowers families to nurture their children’s development during those early years, ensuring all children are prepared and eager to learn as they enter school.
The Core Components of a Family Place Library
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Collections of books, toys, music, and multimedia materials for babies, toddlers, parents, and service providers
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A specially designed, welcoming space within the children's area for families with young children
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Parent/Child Workshops is a five-week program that involves toddlers and their parents and caregivers; features local professionals who serve as resources for parents; emphasizes the role of parents as the first teachers of their children; facilitates early intervention; and teaches strategies for healthy child development and early literacy
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Coalition-building with community agencies that serve families and young children to connect parents to community resources and develop programs and services tailored to meet local needs
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Outreach to new and non-traditional library users, especially parents and very young children (beginning at birth)
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Developmentally appropriate programming for very young children and their parents
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Library staff trained in family support, child development, parent education, and best practices
Family Place Libraries In Action
Family Place: Overview of Family Place Libraries
3. Family Place: Overview of Family Place Libraries
Family Place Library Parent/Child Workshop
Hosted by Kalamazoo Public Library
