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G2S Project Code: 2014-WI-73289
State: Wisconsin
Fiscal Year: 2014

Grantee
IFLS LIBRARY SYSTEM

Project Director
Director Name: Leah Langby
Director Phone: 715-839-5082 Ext. 114
Director Email: langby@ifls.lib.wi.us

General Information
Title: Evening Out the PLAYing Field - Indianhead Library System - Early Literacy
State Project Code: 14-247
Start Date: 02/01/2014
End Date: 12/31/2014
Abstract: An important role for public libraries is equalizing the playing field for early literacy, making sure that all children and their caregivers have access to information about early literacy practices, and providing them with resources and programming to help them develop these skills.

The Indianhead Federated Library System (IFLS) had an in-person training session for library staff in the region, took library staff on a bus tour of effective early literacy spaces, and held webinars about child development, early literacy, and the importance of outreach efforts. In addition, IFLS staff created an online resource and developed kits for librarians or volunteers, particularly those at very small libraries, to provide excellent programming for preschoolers, infants, and toddlers and their caregivers.

IFLS purchased additional curricula for libraries to borrow (ECRR2, Very Reading Reading Program). IFLS staff coordinated a buddy system for youth services librarians (or volunteers) to provide more chances to support each other in the pursuit of early literacy excellence. Finally, twenty-one libraries (Altoona, Amery, Augusta, Baldwin, Balsam Lake, Bruce, Cadott, Dresser, Durand, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hawkins, Milltown, New Richmond, Osceola, Park Falls, Pepin, Phillips, River Falls, Roberts and Stanley) stepped up their outreach efforts by working with childcare centers, local clinics, WIC programs, Headstart, local school districts, family center programs, and teen parent programs to provide information and resources to families who might not have access to them otherwise. Each of these libraries received a mini-grant to help them supplement storytime aids (large motor activities, music, flannel stories, etc.); purchased curriculum; enhanced early literacy environments in their children’s room; and/or purchased books for giving away in start-up programs through WIC or local clinics (through Reach Out and Read or projects like it). Each library was able to decide which of these elements was most important for them as they examine their early literacy goals and the needs of their partners. Through these methods, the hope was to even out the playing field, both across socio-economic backgrounds and around the IFLS system.
State Goal: Convenient access and quality library services for all residents

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$23,168.00

$0.00

$23,168.00

Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.
Parenting & Family skills
Early Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Improve Storytime Resources Available from the Indianhead Federated Library System for participating libraries
Narrative:

Updated 29 themed story kits with new books, music, storytelling aids, manuals, and sample storytimes.

Created 1 new themed story kit

Created 5 kits with 20 copies of a board book

Created 1 new large motor kit with parachute, scarves, shaker eggs, etc.

Created 6 new Exploration kits with toys and STEM materials to encourage play

Purchased resource materials for libraries:

The Power of Play: Designing Early Learning Spaces

STEP Into Storytime

The Very Ready Reading Program Birth-24 Months

The Very Ready Reading Program Ages 2-3

The Very Ready Reading Program Ages 4-5

Every Child Ready to Read, 2nd Edition

Updated IFLS website with additional storytime resources and information: http://iflsweb.org/storytime

Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 1
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 30
Number of plans/frameworks: 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: INDIANHEAD FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1538 Truax Boulevard
City: Eau Claire
State: WI
Zip: 54703-1569

Activity Details
Title: Provide training opportunities for librarians:
Narrative:

Brains at Play training with Dipesh Navsaria and Jim Gill on April 24 (attended by 48, 4 from partner agencies)

Storytimes for Everyone workshop with Saroj Ghoting on May 15 (attended by 46; 4 from partner agencies )

Read, Play, Grow webinar with Rachel Payne on September 5 (attended by 41; as of 2/5 46 had viewed recording)

Ready, Set, Kindergarten webinar with Rachel Payne on September 12 (attended by 42; as of 2/5 19 had viewed recording)

Early Literacy Spaces Tour of 3 MN Libraries/Play Training with Hennepin County Librarians on October 24 (attended by 33, 2 joined us there for part of the tour/training)

Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 0
Number of sessions in program: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 42
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

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: ALTOONA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1303 LYNN AVE.
City: ALTOONA
State: WI
Zip: 54720
Name: AMERY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 225 SCHOLL CT.
City: AMERY
State: WI
Zip: 54001
Name: AUGUSTA MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 113 N. STONE ST.
City: AUGUSTA
State: WI
Zip: 54722
Name: BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 CEDAR ST.
City: BALDWIN
State: WI
Zip: 54002
Name: BALSAM LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 404 MAIN ST.
City: BALSAM LAKE
State: WI
Zip: 54810
Name: BRUCE AREA LIBRARY
Address: 102 W. RIVER AVE.
City: BRUCE
State: WI
Zip: 54819
Name: CARLETON A. FRIDAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 155 E. FIRST ST.
City: NEW RICHMOND
State: WI
Zip: 54017
Name: DRESSER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 117 S. CENTRAL AVE.
City: DRESSER
State: WI
Zip: 54009
Name: DURAND COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 604 7TH AVE. E.
City: DURAND
State: WI
Zip: 54736
Name: ELLSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 312 W. MAIN ST.
City: ELLSWORTH
State: WI
Zip: 54011
Name: HAWKINS AREA LIBRARY
Address: 709 MAIN ST.
City: HAWKINS
State: WI
Zip: 54530
Name: HAZEL MACKIN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 311 W. WARREN ST.
City: ROBERTS
State: WI
Zip: 54023
Name: INDIANHEAD FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1538 Truax Boulevard
City: Eau Claire
State: WI
Zip: 54703-1569
Name: L.E. PHILLIPS MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 EAU CLAIRE ST.
City: EAU CLAIRE
State: WI
Zip: 54701
Name: MILLTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 61 W. MAIN ST.
City: MILLTOWN
State: WI
Zip: 54858
Name: OSCEOLA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 CHIEFTAIN ST.
City: OSCEOLA
State: WI
Zip: 54020
Name: PARK FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 121 N. FOURTH AVE.
City: PARK FALLS
State: WI
Zip: 54552
Name: PEPIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 510 2ND ST.
City: PEPIN
State: WI
Zip: 54759
Name: PHILLIPS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 286 CHERRY ST.
City: PHILLIPS
State: WI
Zip: 54555
Name: RIVER FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 140 UNION ST.
City: RIVER FALLS
State: WI
Zip: 54022

Activity Details
Title: Staff created posters
Narrative:

IFLS staff (LDYSC and Public Relations and Communications Coordinator) created 6 posters promoting engagement with young children using 3 early literacy practices: talk, read, and play. All libraries in the IFLS area who wanted posters received them. Posters are available here:

http://iflsweb.org/2014earlyliteracygrant

Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 1
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 1
Number of physical items: 1
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

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: INDIANHEAD FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1538 Truax Boulevard
City: Eau Claire
State: WI
Zip: 54703-1569

Activity Details
Title: Partnerships in library communities formed
Narrative:

Library grant participants created or strengthened partnerships with other libraries, the Family Resource Center of St. Croix Valley, Northern Waters Literacy, 4 medical facilities, Birth to Three, Early Headstart, Headstart, school districts, particularly 4K programs, Public Health

departments, WIC programs, daycare centers, food bank, the community referral agency, the Buffalo/Pepin Early Years Partnership, and a play group. Libraries participating: Altoona, Amery, Augusta, Baldwin, Balsam Lake, Bruce, Dresser, Durand, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hawkins, Milltown, New Richmond, Osceola, Park Falls, Pepin, Phillips, River Falls, Roberts

Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: Third party

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 0
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 0

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Rural
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: Yes
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 19
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Libraries Acquire Materials for early literacy
Narrative:

Library grant participants purchased items to assist them with their early literacy efforts. This included: enhancements to early literacy areas (Baldwin, Phillips, Ellsworth, Hawkins, Durand and Augusta); materials to improve storytimes, such as parachutes, big books, etc. (Augusta, Bruce, Hawkins, New Richmond, Park Falls); kits for daycare centers and others (Altoona, Baldwin, Balsam Lake, Bruce, Durand, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Milltown); and outreach materials, including book give-aways (Altoona, Amery, Dresser, Osceola, Phillips, River Falls and Roberts).

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: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 19
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Outputs: 1. Use of website resource: According to analytics, the website resources were used extensively, even more than anticipated. From August 1, 2014 through February 15, 2015 there were this many views: 850 of storytime outlines 144 of sample lapsit programs 138 of storytime resources Use seems to be escalating, with 2015 views already higher in some instances than the several months of 2014. 2. Circulation of curriculum or other resources for preparing for storytime (ECRR2, Very Ready Reading Program, etc.): Every Child Ready to Read 2: (2 circulations) Very Ready Reading Program: (total of 10 circulations for 3 volumes) STEP into Storytime: (has not circulated yet, purchased in December) The Power of Play: Early Learning Environments (1 circulation, purchased in December) 3. Attendance at continuing education events: Brains at Play training with Dipesh Navsaria and Jim Gill (attended by 48, 2 from outside system; 4 from partner agencies) Storytimes for Everyone workshop with Saroj Ghoting (attended by 46; 8 from outside system, 4 from partner agencies ) Read, Play, Grow webinar with Rachel Payne (attended by 41; as of 2/5 46 had viewed recording) Ready, Set, Kindergarten webinar with Rachel Payne (attended by 42; as of 2/5 19 had viewed recording) Early Literacy Spaces Tour of 3 MN Libraries/Play Training with Hennepin County Librarians (attended by 33, 2 joined us there for part of the tour/training) 4. Participating libraries programs and services (19 libraries): Number of parent workshops: 13 Number of outreach storytimes: 595 Programs for 0-5 year-olds: 1329 in 2013, 1367 in 2014--increase of 38 Improved early literacy environments: 8 made changes that were directly related to the grant and/or bus trip 7 planning changes as a result of bus trip 3 made changes that were unrelated to grant activities 5. Nonparticipating libraries (20 of 34 responded): Programs for 0-5 year olds in 2013: 913 Programs for 0-5 year olds in 2014: 986 (increase of 73 programs) Outreach programs for 0-5 year olds in 2013: 89 Outreach programs for 0-5 year olds in 2014: 113 (increase of 24 programs)
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Training: Saroj Ghoting, Storytimes for Everyone training: 89 percent of respondents feel better equipped to share early literacy information with parents 80 percent have a better understanding of early literacy concepts 77 percent have specific ideas of how they plan to adapt storytimes and services as a result of training--many planning to share more with caregivers. Dipesh Navsaria training: 78 percent of those responding to evaluation survey have a better understanding of brain development and the results of toxic stress, while 22 percent indicated that it was a useful reinforcement of their existing knowledge about the issue. 86 percent indicated it helped them understand the urgency of sharing information and resources with families in poverty 86 percent indicated that they had more ideas about how to advocate for their own programs and services When asked what the first thing they planned to implement as a result of the training, of 25 respondents, 7 planned to share information in a variety of ways, 11 planned to contact partners, 2 to learn more about the topic, 8 to change or improve their services to families, particularly in poverty, 2 had ideas about using the information for advocacy. Jim Gill training: (this was a bonus training that we managed to squeeze in since Jim Gill was in the area) 77 percent got concrete ideas to try out in their programming 73 percent plan to do more singing and playing in their storytimes Due to technical difficulties, I was not able to access survey results after the Rachel Payne webinars, but I have heard positive comments from several librarians. The Read, Play, Grow session inspired at least 4 libraries to hold Big Fun Playdates. Please see blog post about one library's program: http://keepingupwithkidsifls.blogspot.com/2015/02/big-fun-playdate-in-prescott.html 68 percent of responding librarians indicated that they had concrete plans for changes to implement as soon as possible in their libraries after the bus tour of early literacy spaces, and 59 percent said they had ideas they would implement pending approval and budget. After the play training from Hennepin County staff that was part of this bus tour: 82 percent indicated a better understanding of the importance of open-ended play for young children 59 percent indicated they had more tools to convince library staff and board members of the importance of play space in the library 73 percent indicated they felt they had more tools to help the general public understand the importance of play 82 percent had specific ideas they planned to implement as a result of the training. Library staff who used the new or improved themed storytime kits, board book kits, and lay/exploration kits universally reported that they appreciated the updated materials. Partnerships: Of the 19 participating libraries, 16 have definite plans to continue or expand their partnerships with agencies they developed this year. Three are not sure. Partners include Family Resource Centers (3), literacy agencies, other libraries (3), medical centers (3), Birth-Three (4), Early Head Start, Head Start (2), school district (4), 4K programs (4), Public Health, day care centers (5), WIC (3), Community Referral Agency, a dental clinic, a community play group, the foodbank, and a county early childhood coalition. Of the 20 other respondents, 14 have developed outside partnerships during 2014, and an additional 4 have plans to do so in 2015. Partners include 4K programs, daycare centers, Head Start, WIC programs, and UW Extension. Grant purchases: 100 percent of the 10 librarians that purchased storytime supplies or curricula using mini-grant funds report that they help them to create consistent, high-quality early literacy experiences. Of the 11 libraries that provided books for young children through clinics, shelters, or WIC programs all indicated positive (3) or very positive (8) enthusiasm from partners and families. "Families working with the Birth to Three coordinator have been very happy and excited to receive books" commented one participant. Librarians received or overheard 350 positive comments from parents, caregivers, and children about improvements to storytime, early learning areas, and posters The idea of having "buddy" librarians was not terribly effective. I think library staff are busy enough that it was hard to make time to get out of the building and visit each other's programs or even to just get together. Just over half of the respondents made any contact with their buddies. I still think this is a valuable idea, but I think it needs more support from me--perhaps a few formal meetings of all of the "buddies" at a gathering, with some assigned discussion points. I hope to learn more about this in the coming year to be able to better implement this sort of thing in the future. In a survey of respondents, here was one helpful comment about the early literacy efforts of IFLS this year: "All of the IFLS early literacy efforts were relevant and valuable to my work as a librarian. I can serve our community with early literacy services and activities more effectively and efficiently due to the support Leah and IFLS provides, including workshops, kits, and the information and inspiration Leah provides through e-mails and on the Keeping Up With Kids blog."
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Review of Administrative Data
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:
The number of meaningful partnerships that bloomed this past year as a result of the grant are heartening. Here are a few examples: Altoona Public Library is now working closely with their Early Childhood Coalition, and has made significant partnerships with the Birth to Three community, and in 2015 is preparing to do a series of programs for Head Start families.
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:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No

Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis project seemed to incorporate every possible means of increasing the early literacy skills in a large number of libraries to materials including through music, training, physical and digital resources, and a trip to other early literacy centers in a major metropolitan area. A library that did not done much early childhood programming in the past, is now a crucial partner in the Early Years Partnership of Buffalo/Pepin Counties. They are participating in an early childhood playgroup, providing staff and resources for this off-site series of programs. IFLS is now working closely with the Western Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners and with CESA 10 as a result of this grant (in conjunction with the Growing Wisconsin Readers initiative). Leah will be attending a Reflective Leadership series for the next 6 months to help me develop my skills as an intentional provider of information and resources. The CESA 10 early childhood consultant, Amy Carriere, and I have worked together to develop a series of early literacy Tinker Times, looking at technology and other resources that help children and families with key early literacy skills. Feedback about the kits, from all IFLS librarians: The early childhood play kits have been very popular, as have the board book kits. Themed story kits are going out significantly more than last year, and there are libraries that have not used them in the past that are starting to use them.

Project Tags: Early literacy, partnerships, storytimes