Guidelines

Each library offering early learning services has customized the elements of ELF to meet the interests and needs of families in their community. Some libraries have targeted a specific group such as teen parents or "at home" child care providers and designed services specifically for them. Other libraries have created family services that integrate play and learn with story times or have implemented program models such as Family Place or Mother Goose on the Loose. Many ELF programs have enhanced the library environment by creating a welcoming atmosphere for families with infants and toddlers and by designing special places where families can spend quality time. Yet other libraries have focused their efforts on supporting parents by providing networking opportunities, sharing information on community resources, and inviting community specialists to participate in library activities so they can address issues of interest to parents and child care providers.

Libraries new to ELF need to begin small and focus on one of the following areas in their first year of implementation. If it is realistic, libraries may wish to combine both a service or program enhancement and the development of family welcoming and engaging places.

The options are:

Implementation of a new program or enhancement to an existing program, or
Creation of a family welcoming and engaging environment that is reflected in the library's atmosphere, space and resources.

Integrate elements that realistically support ELF development. The following are recommended for consideration:

A library partnership between the Children's Services and Literacy Services,
A community partnership(s) to support the ELF implementation,
Outreach to families in the community with young children and to those who typically do not use library services, and
Review and possibly adjust current policies and procedures to encourage greater family involvement.