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G2S Project Code: 2018-ID-81270
State: Idaho
Fiscal Year: 2018
Grantee
Idaho Commission for Libraries

Project Director
Director Name: Staci Shaw
Director Phone: (208) 334-2150
Director Email: staci.shaw@libraries.idaho.gov
General Information
Title: Read to Me Outreach
State Project Code: 320
Start Date: 10/01/2017
End Date: 09/30/2019
Abstract: For the past several years, data shows that roughly half of Idaho kindergartners enter school without the necessary skills needed to learn to read. Library in-house programs reach thousands of children each year; however, many children who would benefit from no-cost access to early learning experiences remain “underserved” by Idaho libraries. The Idaho Commission for Libraries’ (ICfL) Read to Me team supports libraries’ efforts to reach these children, families, and care providers by offering several outreach program options. Each program meets identified objectives, involves specific requirements, provides necessary materials, and incorporates an evaluation tool to measure the impact of the program. All ICfL outreach activities emphasize the reduction of barriers for families to become regular library users and the importance of local partnerships for the best delivery and greatest impact. All program materials are based on current, proven research, and incorporate best practices. Evaluation data show that overall, parents and caregivers are more familiar with the skills children need to develop before they enter kindergarten, they are reading more with their children, and they are increasing their use of library services. When training is offered in conjunction with the activity, it is based on best practices and lessons learned over the years and is customized to the skill-level of the users.
State Goal: Idaho State Goal 2: Support the role of libraries in preparing Idahoans to be college and career ready.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$330,901.66
$49,381.62
$0.00
$380,283.28
Intent(s)
Improve users' formal education.
Parenting & Family skills
Early Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Fun with Math and Science
Narrative:
The Fun with Math and Science (FMS) program was designed to help libraries bring STEM-based programs to families with young children in a way that encourages the acquisition of early literacy skills. Participating libraries agreed to host one or more family workshops utilizing the materials provided and to complete required evaluations. Parents who attended the workshops were also required to complete a survey to provide feedback on the impact the workshop would have on their behaviors with their children. FMS workshops vary in length depending on the format of the program and include early learning activities focused on math and science practices that help prepare children to be successful in school. The workshops emphasize the critical role parents play as their child’s first teacher while giving children opportunities to interact in various hands-on activities. Each family had the opportunity to participate in STEM-based activities during the workshops and take home a book of science experiments to continue learning at home. Books, tips, resources and other science-related educational tools were provided to those libraries registering for the program. This year, the educational tools that libraries received included an inflatable solar system, magnetic wall calendar, giant magnifying glasses, sensory tubes, magnetic pattern blocks, and a Real Bugs discovery kit.
While most parents indicated they were motivated to build their child’s science, math and literacy skills, the percentages of parents who ranked their motivation levels was slightly lower than in previous years. Several parents reported that they appreciated opportunities for hands-on learning with their children: “The hands-on aspect was great to keep the kids' attention on the projects.”
During the grant period, 14 libraries across Idaho hosted 16 FMS programs for a total of 985 caregivers and children. This is a 69% decrease from last year’s attendance of 3,202. Program attendance varied from 25 participants in smaller libraries to over 200 in larger libraries, with an average of 70 participants per workshop. Staff from 25 libraries registered to host FMS programs, but several were unable to do so due to staffing changes and other programming conflicts. Libraries that hosted program also reported challenges with having enough physical space to support the program. All of the libraries indicated that they would either strongly agree or agree that the FMS program met their needs and improved their services to the public. One librarian said, “We definitely feel the workshops benefited our community. We were able to engage families that are at-risk and weren't previously doing these kind of activities at home.” Another said, “The resources provided by the ICFL gave us new ideas for programming. They are easy to use and can be applied to more than one program, allowing them to be used in many different ways.”

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 84
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 446
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: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ABERDEEN DISTRICT
Address: 76 E CENTRAL AVE
City: ABERDEEN
State: ID
Zip: 83210
Name: Ada Community Library
Address: 10664 W. Victory Rd
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Name: AMERICAN FALLS DISTRICT
Address: 308 ROOSEVELT ST
City: AMERICAN FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83211
Name: Boise Public Library
Address: 715 S CAPITOL BLVD
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Name: EMMETT PUBLIC
Address: 275 S HAYES AVE
City: EMMETT
State: ID
Zip: 83617
Name: JEFFERSON COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 623A N 3500 E
City: MENAN
State: ID
Zip: 83434
Name: LATAH COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 110 S JEFFERSON ST
City: MOSCOW
State: ID
Zip: 83843
Name: MERIDIAN DISTRICT
Address: 1326 W CHERRY LN
City: MERIDIAN
State: ID
Zip: 83642
Name: NAMPA PUBLIC
Address: 101 11TH AVE S
City: NAMPA
State: ID
Zip: 83651
Name: ONEIDA COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 31 N 100 W
City: MALAD
State: ID
Zip: 83252
Name: PRAIRIE-RIVER DISTRICT
Address: 103 N MAIN ST
City: LAPWAI
State: ID
Zip: 83540
Name: ST MARIES PUBLIC
Address: 822 COLLEGE AVE
City: ST MARIES
State: ID
Zip: 83861
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Every Child Ready to Read
Narrative: Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) is a series of workshops based on the Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library curriculum, developed by Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA). ICfL provides scripts and materials for libraries to provide a series of workshops for families that show how reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing with young children can help them develop early literacy skills that will prepare them to read when they are ready. Each library is required to submit a report about their workshops, and families are surveyed at the conclusion of each workshop. Families that attend ECRR programs receive a paperback book, a set of magnetic letters, a Read to Me tote bag, a music CD, and a writing kit. Libraries can also request copies of ICfL support materials to compliment the workshops. During the grant period, nine libraries participated in ECRR, serving a total of 539 Idahoans. At least two additional libraries requested materials for ECRR workshops that no one attended. All participating librarians either agreed or strongly agreed that hosting ECRR workshops met their library’s needs and helped improve their library’s service to the public. One librarian said, “These type of workshops are essential in helping give parents some tools to help their children succeed.  The interaction with other parents in this type of environments is also a huge benefit to the families in our community.” Parents and caregivers rate the workshops very favorably, with over 90% indicating that they would change their behaviors in regard to early literacy as a result of attending the workshops. One parent said, “My son has a great love for the library after this workshop. Thank you!”
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 538
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 137
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: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Ada Community Library
Address: 10664 W VICTORY RD
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Name: AMERICAN FALLS DISTRICT
Address: 308 ROOSEVELT ST
City: AMERICAN FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83211
Name: BURLEY PUBLIC
Address: 1300 MILLER AVE
City: BURLEY
State: ID
Zip: 83318
Name: IDAHO FALLS PUBLIC
Address: 457 W BROADWAY
City: IDAHO FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83402
Name: JEFFERSON COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 623A N 3500 E
City: MENAN
State: ID
Zip: 83434
Name: KUNA DISTRICT
Address: 457 N LOCUST
City: KUNA
State: ID
Zip: 83634
Name: LATAH COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 110 S JEFFERSON ST
City: MOSCOW
State: ID
Zip: 83843
Name: MOUNTAIN HOME PUBLIC
Address: 790 N 10TH E
City: MOUNTAIN HOME
State: ID
Zip: 83647
Name: ONEIDA COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 31 N 100 W
City: MALAD
State: ID
Zip: 83252
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Idaho Child Care Reads
Narrative: This three-hour workshop is offered to early childhood teachers and child care providers and focuses on the early literacy skills children must develop in order to learn to read. Each of the six skills is explored through hands-on activities, and the curriculum is based on current, proven research. A partnership with the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children’s (IAEYC) State Training and Registry System (STARS) allows each participant to earn three professional development credits at no cost. Each participant also receives a kit with paperback books, a music CD, a set of large letter magnets, and a professional development book. Four workshops were held during the grant period, facilitated by ICfL staff and trained librarians. These were held at public libraries. A total of 119 providers attended workshops, representing 65 child care sites. Combined, these providers serve 2,525 children. Evaluations indicated that over 96% of those attending felt the workshop was useful or very useful. One teacher said that of all the recent trainings in the education field she had attended, she felt this workshop was the most beneficial and she could walk into her classroom and begin implementing what she had learned immediately. Staff time was used to order training materials, coordinate and facilitate sessions, ship materials, compile evaluation data, and provide consultation to facilitators and library staff.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 30
Number of times program administered: 4


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: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ 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: No
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: Yes: Child care providers and early childhood teachers


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Ada Community Library
Address: 10664 W. Victory Rd
City: Boise
State: ID
Zip: 83709
Name: Boise Public Library
Address: 715 S CAPITOL BLVD
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Name: CALDWELL PUBLIC
Address: 1010 DEARBORN ST
City: CALDWELL
State: ID
Zip: 83605
Name: IDAHO FALLS PUBLIC
Address: 457 W BROADWAY
City: IDAHO FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83402
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 117
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 91
Agree: 22
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 96
Agree: 17
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 82
Agree: 24
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 82
Agree: 26
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Activity Details
Title: Jump Start Kindergarten
Narrative:
Through the Jump Start Kindergarten activity, the Commission offers Idaho libraries resources to help "jump start" the educational process that begins for many families and their children with kindergarten. Public libraries across the state are encouraged to partner with local elementary schools to host library tables during kindergarten registration events each spring. School libraries may also participate on their own if they are located too far away from a public library, or if their public library does not have the capacity to serve them. The Commission selects a single title each year and provides a copy of this bilingual children’s book for each child/caregiver who attends the Jump Start Kindergarten event. The title selected is an age-appropriate book of high appeal that will excite the children about beginning school and introduce important pre-K skills such as counting, identifying colors, engaging in imaginative play, sharing, and more. The books are custom printed to include the five Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) early literacy practices inside the book so parents have easy access to this important literacy information. During the previous grant period, the Commission heard from participating libraries that a new book title and more manageable literacy handouts would help increase the interest in this activity. These new resources were delivered and evaluated during this grant period, resulting in a new bilingual title called “What Will We Build Today,” alongside two, concise one-page, bilingual handouts that extend the learning to home: a Ready to Read Bingo Card and a Ready to Read Parent Handout, both which provide simple activities families can work on with their children at home using every day supplies. The roll-out of these new resources was smooth and participating libraries, as well as end-users, responded with overwhelming enthusiasm for the new materials. 

While the resources were well received, library participation declined slightly this grant period. Feedback from participant reports points toward a lack-luster attendance by parents and families of the face-to-face Kindergarten Registration events held by schools across the state as more school districts make the switch to online registration. In response to this feedback, the Commission will now make the Jump Start Kindergarten program and its resources available to Idaho libraries throughout the school year, not just during Kindergarten registration time in the spring.  This will assist libraries in reaching four- and five-year children and their caregivers during more special events aimed at this target audience during the full 12 months before they begin school, not just in the springtime with only a few months to go before they start Kindergarten. With the broadening of this project activity, librarians will also be empowered to be more creative and responsive to meet their community’s pre-K needs. During the next grant period, the Commission will report on how these changes have impacted this target audience to better meet the Kindergarten readiness needs of the library communities. 
Overall, librarians report the Jump Start Kindergarten activity has enhanced their partnerships with schools, increased visibility of libraries, and provided a great opportunity for library staff to reach new families who have no prior experience with the library. This grant period, 61 public libraries participated, offering outreach at Jump Start events at 162 schools, serving 7,903 children across Idaho and issuing 240 new library cards.  Parents of these children received face-to-face interaction with a local librarian and three take-home early literacy resources (one book and two early literacy activity handouts) (23,709 total learning resources). A list of the participating libraries is included in the additional resources section of the project report.
While ICfL continues to work to find ways to meet the needs of all our communities in Idaho, the following encouraging feedback was received from participating librarians through the activity evaluation:
“I love the new handouts you provided.  The bright colors used to emphasize each of the five skills make it easy to share with the parents.  The bingo card is such a great idea to help parents to put into practice each of the five skills….” 
“I loved the new book, it was a great choice. The ECRR focus was also easy to promote and having it in Spanish simplified my life.”
“[Our] Elementary School has been very supportive of our library.  The relationship we have developed with the school makes partnering with them very positive and easy to achieve great results from events like this.”
“[Our local] Elementary School is awesome about including the [our] library in their events at the elementary school including the Kinder registration. Every year we are there with a display of what we have to offer and a lot of info on our library. We always get a positive response back.”

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

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: 23,709
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: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 61
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 43
Agree: 16
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 5
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 44
Agree: 14
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 7
Activity Details
Title: My First Books
Narrative: This Read to Me outreach program has been sustained for over 20 years and is proven to be a highly effective method for increasing access to books for underserved children and families. Public libraries partner with their local Head Starts, developmental preschools, kindergarten classrooms, private preschools and private child care sites to facilitate monthly storytimes throughout the school year. In addition to increasing access to books, program goals include parent/caregiver education about early literacy and child development. Enhanced Storytimes model early literacy skills for the teachers, and each child receives a paperback book to keep. A parent newsletter, The Bookworm, is provided with the book, to help parents develop critical early learning skills at home. Parents are also encouraged to attend at least one early literacy event hosted by the library. Another goal of the program is to issue more library cards to participating families, increasing library service for underserved children. During the grant period, 34 libraries partnered with 79 sites to serve over 4,050 children from birth through age 6. These children were considered “underserved” as one or more of the following: low-income, English language learners, developmentally delayed, refugee or newcomer, tribal (living on reservation), rural (living more than 20 miles from library), and children of teen parents. Approximately 36,500 books were distributed to increase these families’ access to high quality print materials. In addition, 250 new library cards were issued to families, a record number. Staff time was used to develop program and training resources, select 27 age-appropriate titles, publish 48 Bookworm newsletters (8 monthly newsletters for 3 age groups in both English and Spanish editions), design, distribute and evaluate parent and partner surveys, ship books and materials, and provide program consultation. Note: The ICfL does not have formal partnerships with the classrooms participating in this program, but each library has a signed agreement with that partner to participate.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

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: 36,500
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: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: AMERICAN FALLS DISTRICT
Address: 308 ROOSEVELT ST
City: AMERICAN FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83211
Name: ARMORAL TUTTLE PUBLIC
Address: 301 N PLYMOUTH AVE
City: NEW PLYMOUTH
State: ID
Zip: 83655
Name: BELLEVUE PUBLIC
Address: 115 E PINE
City: BELLEVUE
State: ID
Zip: 83313
Name: BENEWAH DISTRICT
Address: 4345 FOX RD
City: TENSED
State: ID
Zip: 83870
Name: BLACKFOOT PUBLIC
Address: 129 N BROADWAY
City: BLACKFOOT
State: ID
Zip: 83221
Name: BOISE BASIN DISTRICT
Address: 123 MONTGOMERY ST
City: IDAHO CITY
State: ID
Zip: 83631
Name: Boise Public Library
Address: 715 S CAPITOL BLVD
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Name: CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT
Address: 120 N SUPERIOR ST
City: CAMBRIDGE
State: ID
Zip: 83610
Name: COMMUNITY LIBRARY NETWORK
Address: 8385 N GOVERNMENT WY
City: HAYDEN
State: ID
Zip: 83835
Name: DEMARY MEMORIAL
Address: 417 7TH ST
City: RUPERT
State: ID
Zip: 83350
Name: GARDEN CITY PUBLIC
Address: 6015 GLENWOOD ST
City: GARDEN CITY
State: ID
Zip: 83714
Name: GOODING PUBLIC
Address: 306 FIFTH AVE W
City: GOODING
State: ID
Zip: 83330
Name: IDAHO FALLS PUBLIC
Address: 457 W BROADWAY
City: IDAHO FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83402
Name: JEFFERSON COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 623A N 3500 E
City: MENAN
State: ID
Zip: 83434
Name: JEROME PUBLIC
Address: 100 1ST AVE E
City: JEROME
State: ID
Zip: 83338
Name: KELLOGG PUBLIC
Address: 16 W MARKET AVE
City: KELLOGG
State: ID
Zip: 83837
Name: KUNA DISTRICT
Address: 457 N LOCUST
City: KUNA
State: ID
Zip: 83634
Name: LEMHI COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 204 MAIN ST
City: SALMON
State: ID
Zip: 83467
Name: MERIDIAN DISTRICT
Address: 1326 W CHERRY LN
City: MERIDIAN
State: ID
Zip: 83642
Name: MOUNTAIN HOME PUBLIC
Address: 790 N 10TH E
City: MOUNTAIN HOME
State: ID
Zip: 83647
Name: NOTUS PUBLIC
Address: 387 FIRST ST
City: NOTUS
State: ID
Zip: 83656
Name: PAYETTE PUBLIC
Address: 24 S 10TH ST
City: PAYETTE
State: ID
Zip: 83661
Name: PORTNEUF DISTRICT
Address: 5210 STUART
City: CHUBBUCK
State: ID
Zip: 83202
Name: RICHFIELD DISTRICT
Address: 105 S MAIN
City: RICHFIELD
State: ID
Zip: 83349
Name: SHOSHONE PUBLIC
Address: 211 S RAIL ST W
City: SHOSHONE
State: ID
Zip: 83352
Name: SOUTH BANNOCK DISTRICT
Address: 18 N MAIN
City: DOWNEY
State: ID
Zip: 83234
Name: TWIN FALLS PUBLIC
Address: 201 FOURTH AVE E
City: TWIN FALLS
State: ID
Zip: 83301
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 27
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 29
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Activity Details
Title: School Year Outreach for Underserved Children
Narrative:
The School Year Outreach for Underserved Children (OUC) activity provides resources to public libraries that are conducting outreach visits during the school year, reaching those children who cannot get to their local library and increasing the number of families with access to books in their homes. This activity assists libraries in reaching children who do not, or cannot, attend regular, in-house library programs. It is designed to bring reading programs to where the children already are and to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining a reading routine during out of school time. Participating libraries partner with a community organization or school and plan at least one outreach event during the school year. During this grant period, libraries partnered with local schools, community centers, nutrition and meal programs, civic organizations, day cares and Head Start sites, government service agencies, and a variety of non-profits.  At the outreach events, libraries facilitated learning activities and storytimes, promoted library services and library card sign-ups, distributed reading logs, gave children books to take home and keep, conducted STEM activities and engaged with parents about the five early literacy practices. The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) provided these books, along with bookmarks, that encouraged children to read during out of school time and enabled Idaho libraries to conduct these outreach events and activities. Staff time was spent ordering and shipping books, consulting with libraries regarding their outreach activities, reviewing applications, and collecting follow-up data.  Fifteen (15) participating libraries implemented 18 outreach events and reported that they reached 4,505 children with a library activity and a new paperback book. 65 new library cards were issued over the course of the school year.

Examples of different OUC activities from this grant period include:
• Ready-to-Learn Program for parents at a local elementary school 
• Strengthening Families Early Head Start event
• Dia de los Muertos event at a local elementary school 
• Baby Haven parent group at the Salvation Army (SA) program where a librarian spoke to mothers of young children who are receiving assistance from the SA about free library services 
• Multicultural Fair at a local middle school to foster inclusivity in the community
• Spanish storytime at a local elementary school  
• 5B Reads Summer Literacy Fair, a county-wide literacy event
• Boys and Girls Club Family Dinner Nights to bring STEAM activities and library information to parents and their children
• Community event for the agricultural employees of SE Idaho and their families
• Family literacy event at local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) center

OUC events continue to be an impactful and effective means to reach the children and adults of underserved families in communities throughout Idaho. Examples of activity impact from this grant period include:

• “At one of these events, we connected with Early Head Start, who offered to come to in-house library programs and conduct free vision and hearing screenings. They came to three July early learner programs, where they conducted screenings for 18 children, two of whom showed vision issues previously unknown to their caregivers. Underserved Outreach visits foster connections that have ripple effects of positive change that we cannot always predict.”

• “[Our school] has a high population of low-income and ESL families. Many of the kids don't own books at home. Bilingual board and picture books opened the door to parents practicing a language, along with allowing their child to hear stories. This opportunity not only to get a book but to select one of their choosing was very exciting for the students and their families.”

• “All community members are always welcome to join in on any of the programs we run without charge.  This was something that the [Baby Haven] group also did not know.  Many of the people at the outreach event did not even know they could come into the library without a card. I worked with a translator for the Spanish speaking demographic to make sure that the group could understand everything that is available at the library, and this was positive because it created a stronger relationship with the group…This [outreach] helped to gain trust between the mothers of these groups as well as with Salvation Army, and we were invited back many times to do onsite programs as well as had the groups come visit us at the library with a tour. We immediately saw people from this group that signed up their whole families for library cards and come in to use the computers regularly as a family.”

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

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: 4,505
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: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Boise Public Library
Address: 715 S CAPITOL BLVD
City: BOISE
State: ID
Zip: 83702
Name: BURLEY PUBLIC
Address: 1300 MILLER AVE
City: BURLEY
State: ID
Zip: 83318
Name: CALDWELL PUBLIC
Address: 1010 DEARBORN ST
City: CALDWELL
State: ID
Zip: 83605
Name: CHALLIS PUBLIC
Address: 531 MAIN ST
City: CHALLIS
State: ID
Zip: 83226
Name: COEUR D'ALENE PUBLIC
Address: 702 E FRONT AVE
City: COEUR D'ALENE
State: ID
Zip: 83814
Name: COMMUNITY LIBRARY NETWORK
Address: 8385 N GOVERNMENT WY
City: HAYDEN
State: ID
Zip: 83835
Name: DEMARY MEMORIAL
Address: 417 7TH ST
City: RUPERT
State: ID
Zip: 83350
Name: EMMETT PUBLIC
Address: 275 S HAYES AVE
City: EMMETT
State: ID
Zip: 83617
Name: HAILEY PUBLIC
Address: 7 W CROY ST
City: HAILEY
State: ID
Zip: 83333
Name: KUNA DISTRICT
Address: 457 N LOCUST
City: KUNA
State: ID
Zip: 83634
Name: MERIDIAN DISTRICT
Address: 1326 W CHERRY LN
City: MERIDIAN
State: ID
Zip: 83642
Name: MOUNTAIN HOME PUBLIC
Address: 790 N 10TH E
City: MOUNTAIN HOME
State: ID
Zip: 83647
Name: NORTH BINGHAM COUNTY DISTRICT
Address: 197 W LOCUST ST
City: SHELLEY
State: ID
Zip: 83274
Name: SOUTH BANNOCK DISTRICT
Address: 18 N MAIN
City: DOWNEY
State: ID
Zip: 83234
Name: VALLEY OF THE TETONS DISTRICT
Address: 56 N MAIN
City: VICTOR
State: ID
Zip: 83455
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 17
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 17
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
For the last couple of years participation in two RTM outreach programs, Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR), and Fun with Math and Science, has diminished. Many libraries have begun consistently incorporating ECRR research into regular storytimes and other programs, and libraries struggle with maintaining consistent attendance for multi-day workshops. Though ICfL encourages libraries to offer these workshops through outreach, many host them in-house, thus reaching children and families who are regular library users.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
To support ICfL's focus on kindergarten readiness and reaching underserved children and families, we will sunset both Every Child Ready to Read and Fun with Math and Science and utilize those program funds and staff resources to create new outreach programs and materials that incorporate ECRR concepts, as well as social and emotional skills, and other skills identified by the Idaho Early Learning e-guidelines.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Program evaluation is critical, in order to make responsible funding decisions and ensure programs make an impact and meet identified goals.
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:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
As stated above, we will sunset two outreach programs and create new outreach programs based on identified needs.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
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: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeOverall, RTM Outreach programs are effective in helping libraries reach underserved families. RTM Outreach programs are customizable, allowing libraries of all sizes and geographic location to participate. Impact is only limited by ICfL funding and staff capacity to coordinate programs. Several state agencies’ youth services consultants have contacted ICfL over the years to learn more about the outreach programs.
Project Tags: outreach, early literacy, every child ready to read