CALCON 2024

The High Plains Library District (HPLD) received a grant through the Buell Growing Readers Together program to provide early literacy support to friends, family, and neighbor caregivers. Librarians from multiple HPLD branches collaborated to offer Playdate Cafes to reach young children's parents and caregivers. The Playdate Cafes offered a simple and friendly atmosphere for caregivers to gather and learn how they can support early literacy at home through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing. The children’s librarian shared early literacy information while the children played, and all enjoyed simple refreshments. Each caregiver was also given a ‘took kit” with a scarf, playdough, binoculars, toy car, egg shaker, plush cube and a booklet filled with ideas of how to use the items daily. The presenters will share outcomes, lessons learned and ideas for how libraries can grow this type of program.