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G2S Project Code: 2017-AZ-79903
State: Arizona
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
Pima County Public Library

Project Director
Director Name: Caitlin Burns
Director Phone: 520-594-5509
Director Email: Caitlin.Burns@pima.gov
General Information
Title: Grow & Play Space
State Project Code: 2017-0260-08
Start Date: 07/01/2017
End Date: 09/05/2018
Abstract: The goal of this project was to transform the Main Library Children's Room located in downtown Tucson into a hub of exciting and educational learning opportunities for children and their caregivers. Grant funds were used to upgrade technology and passive programming in the room, which now help meet the needs of children throughout different stages of development. Community members benefited from this upgrade because the Children’s Room now serves as a destination point in downtown Tucson while it incorporates modern best practices in early literacy for families visiting the library. 
State Goal: Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$57,800.00
$0.00
$44,000.00
$101,800.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.
Parenting & Family skills
Early Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Early Literacy Programs in the Grow & Play Space
Narrative: Staff trained in early literacy practices read short stories, sing songs and facilitate learning for children and their caregivers. Staff presenting baby, toddler and preschooler storytimes at Main Library shared tips with caregivers that help support brain development in infants and build skill sets that children need to be successful when they start pre-school and kindergarten. 
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): 35
Number of sessions in program: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 13
Number of times program administered: 192


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: PIMA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 101 N. STONE AVENUE
City: TUCSON
State: AZ
Zip: 85701
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 23
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 21
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 18
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 24
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 22
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
All survey participants reported satisfaction with the Main Library Children's Room renovation. Some reported feeling more comfortable spending significant amounts of time in the new space rather than just coming to select books or attend storytime. Staff have observed excited expressions on the faces of children visiting the newly renovated area. One caregiver wrote in a post-survey, "It's an inviting and pleasant space, very welcoming to children- perfect design!" One 8-year-old child coming back after the two-month closure looked around and loudly exclaimed, "it's beautiful!" One survey responder wrote, “we have always come here to pick up books but rarely stayed for long. We could stay here for hours each time we stop by now!” During weekday afternoons, it's common to see all AWE stations being used by a child and their caregiver, discussing the game they're playing and connecting the activity to something they do in reality. The puppet tree is almost always in use and the library's youngest visitors enjoy exploring the sensory sand or foam at the tactile station. Two families who previously did not know each other ended up playing together, one of them saying "we're sharing toys, mom!" loud enough for staff at the desk to overhear. Tween patrons (ages 10-12) are enjoying time in the designated tween area where they can study independently or collaborate with peers while playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Staff involved in the planning process of the project intended to design a space that was both comfortable and useful for families visiting Main Library. The amount of open seating was increased to encourage co-reading and co-playing. The remodeled 9,000 square foot space now highlights the importance of play, which helps support cognitive and social development in all children. More technology was added to encourage children and their caregivers to use technology together, as research shows this to be the most beneficial approach for children while they acquire crucial technology skills.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The Pima County Facilities Department oversaw the renovation aspects of this project. Because of the work load and staffing shortages this department incurred over the last year, the Grow and Play Space project was delayed substantially. Staff were able to prepare effectively by purchasing all technology and supplies with LSTA funds before the remodel started.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
Programming has already increased in the Children's Room and will continue to increase in order to meet the growing needs of its visitors. Staff-supported programs for tweens such as Dungeons and Dragons and Code Club are currently hosted in the new tween section each week. Staff will identify programming needs based on demand and interest and then work to implement them. No additional LSTA funds will be used for these changes.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: