Outreach

Outreach

A basic component of ELF is outreach to families in the community and particularly those who do not typically frequent the library. This can often be challenging, however the ELF partnership with Literacy Services and community agencies is particularly helpful in this regard. Families who are not literate or do not read English are often the most difficult to reach. They do not rely on print for information, so the standard promotional practices are not as effective. Innovative strategies need to be employed.

Just how do the Literacy practitioners and other community agencies successfully reach and recruit parents and families? Here are possible approaches.

  1. Remember in order to reach families you need to meet them where they stay, play, pay and pray. Work with your Literacy colleagues to identify these locations, begin connecting with these families and getting to know their needs and interests.
  2. Create partnerships with organizations that are working with families and childcare providers. Talk to the agency staff and meet with the families to find out their interests, and to identify questions they have about their children and challenges they face. Also identify the perceptions that have kept them from participating in library programs.
  3. Bring your services to the families and caregivers at the agencies so they can experience the services and use the resources first hand. Often this awareness and the opportunity to get to know a library representative personally can help in easing the transition to visit the library.
  4. Ask your partners to endorse and promote the early learning services you offer and encourage their families to participate.
  5. Deliver your early learning services in partnership with your community agencies.
  6. Increase the exposure of library services in the community by participating in events that families frequent. Give away a book, parental tips, recommended book list for infants and toddlers or something that will encourage families to visit you so you can engage them in conversation and become familiar with their needs.