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G2S Project Code: 2014-PA-73025
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2014
Grantee
CAMBRIA COUNTY LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Mary Lou Repsher
Director Phone: 814-536-5131
Director Email: repsherml@cclsys.org
General Information
Title: Families talk About Books @the Library
State Project Code: 4100069307
Start Date: 01/15/2015
End Date: 08/31/2015
Abstract:

Forty-four family book discussion kits were created for lending to the 21 libraries in the Johnstown District (Cambria, Somerset and Indiana counties).  Each kit consists of 15 copies of a title, discussion questions, and suggested activities. The collection of kits includes a wide range of titles from easy readers to YA and some graphic novels. Canvas bags for transporting the kit materials were also purchased.

Only two of the libraries in the Johnstown District have a staff member dedicated to children's services.  To assist the libraries in getting started with family book discussions, the Cambria County Library's  children librarian and the district consultant conducted 10 model discussions at libraries around the district to demonstrate how to manage a family book discussion.  The discussions were held primarily during the summer. 


State Goal: Create opportunities for libraries to enhance their capacity to provide 21st Century resources, services and programs to their communities.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$7,468.98
$0.00
$2,222.00
$9,690.98
Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.
Parenting & Family skills
Reading Program (Not Summer Reading)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Modeling Family Book Discussion Programs
Narrative: Once sets of books were purchased and discussion questions were developed the District Children's Librarian and Consultant presented a model program at ten libraries.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 8
Number of times program administered: 10


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAMBRIA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 248 MAIN ST.
City: JOHNSTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 15901
Activity Details
Title: Development of Family Book Discussion Kits
Narrative: The children's librarian at the District Center purchased 44 sets of children's picture and fiction books, developed a discussion guide for each and created publicity materials. The kits will be available to all the district libraries, as well as local schools.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 660
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAMBRIA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 248 MAIN ST.
City: JOHNSTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 15901
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Participating children expressed eagerness for the next discussion. Two libraries have begun to hold family book discussions
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Indicated that some families were reading together. Indicates that some libraries are more comfortable with this type of programming
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
Discussions for families should be planned as a series.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
No
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
Yes: The local school librarians will be informed about the kits and offered the chance to borrow them.
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: families, book discussions