One for the books: Library and literacy partners in Lights On Afterschool

In 2018, the Young Adult Library Services Association and the Science-Technology Activities & Resources for Libraries (STAR Net) as well as hundreds of local libraries and advocates for children’s literacy came together to celebrate the work they do every day to engage children and young people in engaging out-of-school time learning.

Moreover, 366 events declared that they were participating in the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. A collaborative effort by foundations, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation, the Campaign for Grade Level Reading works to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship. The Campaign focuses on an important predictor of school success and high school graduation—grade-level reading by the end of third grade. Afterschool and summer learning programs are natural partners to advance the Campaign’s initiatives, as additional tutoring help, homework completion, and reading activities are integral parts of many programs’ curricula.

For the second year in a row, libraries and afterschool-library partnerships were one of our top themes for Lights On Afterschool. Here are a few of our favorite events featuring libraries:

• In Arkansas, the Eureka Springs Community Center, in partnership with the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library, will hosted a carnival for Lights On Afterschool. The event featured an inflatable planetarium, with presentations by a student outreach group from the University of Arkansas. Additionally, there were dance performances from local troupes, a karate demonstration from Groves Karate studio, a collective painting activity, and booths with carnival games. Mayor Butch Berry emceed the event and issued a proclamation about the afterschool program.

• The Dream Builders Learning Center afterschool program in Midway, Georgia partnered with the Hinesville Public Library and Keep Liberty Beautiful for an open house and garden party on the library’s campus. Hinesville Public Library facilitated a science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) program at which children made terrariums and discussed how things grow. Students also toured and planted in the Keep Liberty Beautiful garden they have adopted, while discussing recycling and water conservation. Parents discussed the importance and impact of afterschool programs with Dream Builders afterschool staff. The event featured games and crafts, and child advocate Demmentrice Jefferson served as the keynote speaker.

• In Caruthersville, Missouri, the Caruthersville Public Library held an open house for children and parents. There were tours of the library focused on the children’s room to show parents what their children do after school. Students and parent played board games together.

• Organized by Afterschool Ambassador Flo Trujillo, the Farmington Public Library in New Mexico hosted “7 Habits of Happy Kids.” Students each received a piece of a puzzle and together build a floor puzzle with a positive leadership message. Using a “Can-Do” Attitude, youth engaged in the 7 Habits and focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities at the library. Participants each received a Lights On strobe light, glasses, a wristband, and more from library staff and joined a Tippie Toe Parade (tour the library) following story time.

We are looking already looking ahead to the 20^th annual Lights On Afterschool coming October 24, 2019. We hope you’ll join us – mark your calendar now!