Discover New Ideas about Early Learning Environments
HALF DAY; Tuesday, March 11, 2:00–5:30 PM
Sponsored by the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) joint committee
Public libraries are reinventing themselves by modifying their children’s spaces with literacy nooks, interactive play centers, and inspiring playscapes. Discover your potential for creating a dynamic early learning environment for your library, no matter your space, size, or budget. A panel of children’s librarians and early literacy experts will discuss how libraries can best respond to community needs and create a space that gets children excited to come back again and again. Specific topics will include: incorporating ECRR practices; literary whimsy; the genius of blocks; the importance of color, style, and beauty; and practical parent tips.
Presenters: Susan Anderson-Newham, Pierce County (Wash.) Library System; Cindy Christin, Bozeman (Mont.) Public Library; Marisa Conner, Baltimore County (Md.) Public Library; Christy Estrovitz, San Francisco (Calif.) Public Library; Amanda Roberson, St. Mary’s County (Md.) Library—Lexington Park Branch; Dorothy Stoltz, Carroll County (Md.) Public Library
Target Audience: Any staff specializing in children’s services and early learning or in space design.
At the end of this preconference participants will:
- Know several innovative methods for transforming library space into a dynamic place for children to play and learn;
- Understand how to incorporate the ECRR 2.0 five early literacy practices into play and learn environments; and
- Be ready to unleash their library’s potential for creating interactive children’s areas inside and outside library buildings.
Cost: $125 PLA/ILF Members, $180 ALA Members, $235 Nonmembers
Pair this preconference with Put It into Practice: Implement Every Child Ready to Read @ your library and save with a full day program rate! $195 PLA/ILF Members, $250 ALA Members, $305 Nonmembers
