In 2019, Policy Studies Associates conducted an evaluation of the Free Library of Philadelphia's Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP), focused on identifying program strategies to support early literacy development. The recommendations that emerged from this evaluation for the Free Library can also inform the efforts of other public…

With more than 25 years of experience providing library-based out-of-school time (OST) programming to Philadelphia children and youth in grades preK-12, LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) offers insights into the distinct operations and contributions of drop-in programs. A 2019 evaluation of LEAP, conducted by Policy Studies…

Grounded in the Free Library's mission to "advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity" and commitment to being an open and accessible community resource, LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) offers afterschool drop-in academic support and enrichment at libraries throughout Philadelphia. These promising strategies…

The Free Library of Philadelphia's Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) is a key part of Philadelphia's comprehensive citywide Out-of-School Time (OST) system. For more than 25 years, the Free Library has offered children academic support and enrichment through LEAP, a free, voluntary, and drop-in program. At the request of the Free…

One of the hottest terms among public librarians today is "content creation," which involves stuff that library patrons make instead of simply use in a library context. Videos, music, fiction, paintings, 3D printed materials, websites--all these are made in public libraries, and will increase in popularity as more libraries shift from purveyors of…

Introduction: Our paper describes three examples of how public libraries in at-risk-neighbourhoods have worked with social innovations in order to develop and strengthen their services for minority groups. The libraries were chosen because they are frontrunners in the field of cultural diversity and social inclusion in Denmark. Method: The…

Each night, around 20,000 people--both adults and children--make the streets of Dhaka (the capital city of Bangladesh) their home. Living amongst the noise, rubbish, and traffic, thousands of families walk down the streets of Dhaka, looking for a safe place to rest for just a few hours each night. Trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, the…

Schools, colleges and universities, and local communities now recognize the key role they play to encourage citizen participation and promote civic engagement. New civic engagement initiatives underway offer perfect opportunities for libraries to fulfill their traditional roles of promoting civic literacy and ensuring an informed citizenry. Today,…

These guidelines are intended to assist library staff in making provisions for mentally retarded patrons. An initial assessment of the staff attitudes is recommended, followed by disability awareness exercises. Establishing contact with group homes and developmental centers is discussed, including specific steps to follow in making initial contact…

For the last year, the Rural Libraries and the Humanities Project has assisted 30 rural libraries in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma in developing locally initiated humanities programs. Program packets focusing on heritage, literature, and women were prepared to aid in program development. Development of unique local programs was also encouraged.…

Description of the California Literacy Campaign instituted by California State Library highlights statewide commitment to provide public library services to help adults attain English-language ability and local projects. Examples of several projects (e.g., Modoc County Adult Tutorial Program, Tri-City Literacy Coalition), and community-based…

Addresses how the resources of public libraries and youth-serving organizations can work together to support young people and expand their opportunities. Summarizes ways librarians are developing effective strategies to engage youth who formerly felt alienated from public libraries and describes ways public libraries are connecting with community…

This first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…

Noting that as many as 15 million elementary school children are regularly left without adult supervision for several hours after school each day until an adult returns home from work, this book focuses on what is happening and what could happen to latchkey children in terms of the community as a whole, as well as in regard to public libraries.…

Describes how family literacy programs help increase adult literacy levels, broaden reading skills for children, and foster good reading habits for all family members. The recipients of Bell Atlantic/American Library Association Family Literacy Project grants are listed, their programs are summarized, and 11 clues that can help determine a…