Public libraries can increase their impact on knowledge development, innovation, and social change by promoting parent and family engagement in children's learning.Libraries are increasingly focusing on families. Educational research confirms that family engagement in children's learning and development predicts school readiness, positive social behaviors, high school graduation, interest in STEM careers, and post-secondary education.A Librarian's Guide to Engaging Families in Learning will inspire libraries and librarians to innovate and promote family learning from a child's earliest years through adolescence. By bringing together research and practice, it will deepen librarians' understanding of families' role in education and help them to learn new ways to build positive and trusting family partnerships that honor diverse cultures and languages, as well as to develop leadership for community impact.Written by thought leaders in the fields of family engagement and library science, each of the three main sections of the book begins with a framework followed by case studies illustrating key concepts of the framework. Cases are followed by reflections from practicing librarians. All chapters focus on practical family engagement in the social infrastructure, lifelong learning, and diversity and social justice.

Offers content for coursework and continuing education in children's services

ForewordR. David LankesIntroductionM. Elena Lopez, Bharat Mehra, and Margaret CaspePart One Perspectives on Libraries, Families, and CommunitiesIntroduction to Part 1M. Elena Lopez, Bharat Mehra, and Margaret CaspeChapter 1 Know, Partner, Lead: Family Engagement in Public LibrariesM. Elena Lopez and Margaret CaspeChapter 2 Research Paradigms for Engaging Families in Public LibrariesBharat Mehra and Scott SikesPart Two Knowing Families and CommunitiesIntroduction to Part 2M. Elena Lopez, Bharat Mehra, and Margaret CaspeCase StudiesChapter 3 "The Library Has to Be More Than Books": "Voices" of Latinx MothersM. Elena Lopez and Margaret CaspeChapter 4 The Partnership for Family-Library Engagement: A Unique Library-University PartnershipMichelle Taylor, Megan E. Pratt, and Mariko WhelanChapter 5 Finding Home: One Book, One CommunityKaurri C. Williams-CockfieldReflectionsChapter 6 Who Do We Need to Serve?Carine RisleyChapter 7 Closing the Distance: Reaching Incarcerated Loved OnesNick HigginsChapter 8 Reading Is Grand! A Family Literacy Program of the Black Caucus of the American Library AssociationKaren Lemmons and Tamela ChambersPart Three Building PartnershipsIntroduction to Part 3M. Elena Lopez, Bharat Mehra, and Margaret CaspeCase StudiesChapter 9 Designing Learning Experiences with and for FamiliesMega Subramaniam and Tamara Lynette CleggChapter 10 Engaging Families in Computational Literacy OpportunitiesRicarose Roque and Sari A. WidmanChapter 11 Age Is But a Number: How to Create Multigenerational Family Programs in Your Public LibraryJessica Hilburn and Becky StahlReflectionsChapter 12 We're Happy You're Here: Honoring Family Strengths to Build Relationships and Enhance Programming at the Denver Public LibrarySarah McNeilChapter 13 Media Mentors Start by Listening to ParentsLisa GuernseyChapter 14 Lending an Umbrella to the CommunityFelton Thomas Jr. and Laura WalterPart Four Leading for ImpactIntroduction to Part 4M. Elena Lopez, Bharat Mehra, and Margaret CaspeCase StudiesChapter 15 "Un-level" the Playing Field to Give Every Child a ChanceDonna C. Celano and Susan B. NeumanChapter 16 Homelessness as a Barrier to Family Engagement in LearningOlivia ForehandChapter 17 Family Place Libraries: A Place for Families to Learn and GrowKristen Todd-WurmChapter 18 Removing Barriers for Youth and Families through Elimination of FinesMisty JonesReflectionsChapter 19 Talking, Thinking, Making: How IMLS Grants Help Libraries Facilitate Family Literacy and LearningSandra ToroChapter 20 Information Needs of Rural Families: A Social Justice ImperativeBharat Mehra and Scott SikesChapter 21 Six Ways to Build a State Library Platform for Family EngagementMark SmithChapter 22 Public Libraries Adapt to Connect with Families in Times of CrisisAshley J. BrownIndexAbout the Editors and Contributors