Bang for Your Buck: Partnerships that Save Money & Are Easy to Replicate ALA 2010 Washington, DC Saturday, June 26, :30-3:30

Presenters: Jan Johnson Dorothy Stoltz/Elena Hartley Tess Prendergast Leah Wagner Betsy Diamant-Cohen BREAK Carol Sandler Ellen Riordan and Emily Blumenthal Catherine Hakala-Ausperk Cathy Lancaster Elizabeth Gray

Today’s Public Libraries Strive to: Provide high quality services for all, in some of the following ways: – Circulate materials – Offer reference help – Provide a free community space – Present library programs –Give visitors free access to computers –Arrange free entertainment –Create experiences for young children that help develop school readiness skills –Help school age children expand their horizons –Serve all communities (English language learners, children with language delays, etc.)

The Current Situation In American Public Libraries, there are –Thriving early literacy programs –Computers available for public use –High use during difficult economic times –Many examples of innovation and exemplary public services – Expanding services for children of all abilities – Expanding services for English language learners

However, we are also faced with –Older buildings that need large financial support –Some traditional library services on the decline –Librarians retiring; not many being trained –Grant money drying up, budgets being cut, hiring freezes in place –New technologies that library visitors want to use IN GENERAL….. People want more from their libraries, But less money is available

Is there a way to continue providing excellent services to children with diminishing funds in these difficult economic times?

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Collaborate and Form Partnerships with other Institutions and Organizations!

The Big Tree Library Princeton (NJ) Public Library and the Princeton Regional Recreation Department Jan Johnson, Manager of Youth Services

Language Fun Storytime A Children’s Librarian and a Speech Therapist working together… Sharing expertise to support children’s language and literacy development, for ages 3-5 Adapted storytime format, built around only one book each week Family/caregiver involvement encouraged and supported A variety of multi-modal activities that focus on fun are provided Repeated opportunities to learn new words and phrases Social skills during snack time Tess Prendergast, BA, MLIS languagefunstorytime.wordpress.com

Leah Wagner, Monroe Township Public Library, Assistant Library Director,

United Way of the Wabash Valley Mother Goose on the Loose® is provided to Wabash Valley home daycares through a grant from the Indiana Association of United Ways, courtesy of the Lilly Endowment. Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen Children’s Programming Consultant

Borrow a book… at the museum! Carol Sandler Director of Library and Archives Strong National Museum of Play One Manhattan Square Rochester, NY Promoting literacy through play

Teaching Storytelling to Youth: A Library, a School, and an Art Institute Collaborate

Children's Services: Partnerships for Success, ALA Editions, 2010 For more information on these and other partnerships, see:

Now, we want to hear from you! Please tell us : -Your name, your position, and where you work -Who you partnered with -A brief description of your successful, easily replicable partnerships -As estimate of the total cost (if possible) There will be a 3 minute limit for each person.

Thank you for attending our session!