Kits contain children’s book, toy and activity card to help inspire parents
Parents, toddlers and preschool children have a new, fun, and interactive collection choice at Geauga County Public Library (GCPL). Reading, playing and learning are packaged together in GCPL’s new early childhood literacy boxes. Each box contains a book, toy and activity card that lists suggestions for parents to employ as they read to and interact with their young children.
The Geauga County Public Library contains an extensive collection of children’s books that stimulate language patterns and a love of reading and learning. GCPL Youth Services librarians raised the bar by pairing about 60 popular board books and emerging-reader books with an age-appropriate corresponding toy. Then, this team of librarians wrote suggestions on how to encourage children to learn their colors, numbers, and letters while developing the skills that build reading readiness.
GCPL librarians realized that many of these books and stories pair nicely with various toys, but because children can outgrow these materials quickly, they are often cost prohibitive for families to purchase for a short duration of use. “Toddlers grow so quickly,” says Middlefield Library’s Head of Youth Services and Assistant Manager Kara Fennell Walker. “The toys and books that parents buy in one season may be completely irrelevant to their youngsters a month or two later. We want our children to benefit from these types of toys, but it is just not economical for most families to purchase them. As librarians, we know that linking literacy and play is effective in building a lifelong love of learning. We want to provide parents with the tools to make this happen.”
GCPL is a logical lender for books and toys that promote early learning. “Our patrons already know their library is the go-to resource for quality children’s books,” says Director Deborah F. O’Connor. “We’re taking early literacy to the next level. Plus, we detail how parents can help their children interact with ideas. We’re providing the means for these young children to develop their fine motor skills and learn many of the precursors to reading. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun for parents to play and read with their children. We’re pleased to offer this new collection item to our patrons.”
The Geauga Public Library Foundation approved $3,000 for Youth Services librarians to scout books and toys, and bring this project to life.
Literacy box examples:
Book: Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington
Toy: Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie set
Activity card with reading and playing suggestions
Book: Tap Tap Bang Bang by Emma Garcia
Toy: Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench with mallet and pegs
Activity card with reading and playing suggestions
Each GCPL location has a binder that lists all the literacy boxes along with their contents and a photo of each one. Patrons may also search the online catalog to find these literacy boxes.
