The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and its member libraries are continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our communities. In particular, public libraries serve a critical role in helping to develop early literacy skills. There are more than 50,000 children in Allegheny County under the age of 5. All of them deserve a good start in life.
From birth to kindergarten, children need loving relationships, stimulating environments and engaging experiences. Our libraries offer a place to socialize, play, read, and find the support that will lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
In the past several years, ACLA and its member libraries have implemented a few early literacy and kindergarten readiness initiatives. Librarians have honed their skills in early learning through extensive professional development. In addition, librarians across the County are actively involved with local kindergarten transition teams to ensure children are both well prepared and registered in advance for kindergarten. Below is a small sampling of the growing number of programs our libraries offer to prepare the next generation for success.
Preschool Picks
The program is geared towards children in preschool or ages 3-5. Students have the opportunity to engage with newer picture books and also connect with the local library. A typical library visit for Preschool Picks might include a reading of the selected book, reading of similar titles, a rhyme or song, and an activity or craft. Children also receive a take-home sheet for their adults to understand what they learned and steps to implement early literacy skills at home.
Preschool Grab Bags
Kindergarten readiness is as simple as reading and singing with your child. The bags help prepare a child for success in school and life by applying early literacy skills at home that help prepare a child for kindergarten. The preschool grab bag is a tote with books, a learning toy, and a tip sheet for adults. The contents are geared for caregivers and children aged 3-5 to do together to promote kindergarten readiness.
PA One Book
PA One Book is a statewide initiative that highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers and the significance of reading early and often to children, as well as engaging them in conversation and other activities around books. Each year a different children’s book is highlighted.
Research has shown that children who participate in early literacy and kindergarten readiness programs are more likely to experience later academic success, attain higher levels of education, and secure employment. ACLA remains committed to supporting this trend and providing the necessary resources to help improve our youth’s lifelong learning and success.
Library staff members continue to engage professional development. Many staff members hold an Early Literacy Certificate through Library Juice Academy after completing courses in child development, early literacy, storytime, partnerships, media mentorship and advocacy. These training helped to provide a consistency in early literacy programming among county libraries.