1. Rotterdam Public Library supporting people to integrate and participate
May 2010
Gerard Reussink

2. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Rotterdam Public Library inspires and stimulates the search for knowledge and information and enjoying reading and language

3. Rotterdam public library: the key word is “language”!
Language is the key word for people to be able to participate in society
The public library is a place where language is omnipresent
The public library is the only institution next to schools were people can rely on

4. Rotterdam public library invests in
E-centers/ centers of study and education in many of our district libraries
City study center
Educational programs for pre-school, schools, adults
Special programs for low literacy
Special language training points and support
Special programs for youth

5. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Rotterdam Library
Stimulation of language
skills
Reading enjoyment
Media awareness
Low-threshold
Free admission
Easy access

6. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people

7. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
a multi-cultural city
inhabitants in 2009:
More than 170 nationalities
53% natives and 47% immigrants
60% of the juvenile population is non-native
22 % of Rotterdam is low-literate

8. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Civic integration
program
Learn Dutch
Learn about Dutch society
Actively participate in the Netherlands

9. Participation Ladder Paid Labour Paid Labour with support
Focus of presentation: introduction of the participation ladder in social inclusion by the library
Participation Ladder
Paid Labour
Paid Labour with support
Non paid labour
Participation in organized activities
Social involvement in R’dam society
Isolation

10. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Phase 3
Phase 2
Phase 1
isolation

11. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Phase 3
Phase 2
Social involvement in sociëty
Phase 1

12. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Phase 3
Participation
in organised activities
Phase 2
Phase 1

13. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Civic integration
program in
Rotterdam
people
Free courses
Participation
Close cooperation with
Rotterdam Library

14. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) Reading and Writing
Integration
Work and Job Application

15. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) Reading and Writing
Integration
Work and Job Application

16. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) reading and writing
Low-threshold introduction program

17. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) reading and writing
Low-threshold introduction program
Special collection ‘Read and Write’

18. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) reading and writing
Low-threshold introduction program
Special collection ‘Read and Write’
Branches all over the city

19. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) Reading and Writing
Integration
Intergration
Work and Job Application

20. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Integration
Collection consists of
different materials

21. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Integration
Collection consists of
different materials
Educational activities

22. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Integration
Collection consists of
different materials
Educational activities
Coorperation with schools

23. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
(Better) Reading and Writing
Integration
Work and Job Application
To apply and to work

24. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Work and Job Application
Language traineeships and work placements

25. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Work and Job Application
Language traineeships and work placements
Employment coach

26. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Work and Job Application
Language traineeships and work placements
Employment coach
Collection of materials

27. Rotterdam Public Library: The broad approach towards low literacy
Work and Job Application
Language traineeships and work placements
Employment coach
Collection of materials
e-centres

28. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
The circle is completed
Educational program
Cooperation
Expert staff

29. Special multimedia collection
4you!
Special multimedia collection
low threshold location in the neighborhood
Applied activities in cooperation with schools

30. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people
Invest in youth: especially those who are not attracted to reading.
Method: Try to reach them in their own surroundings and way of life:
"Taalkr8 Leeskr8" fragment on Vimeo
Make them proud when they are busy with language

31. Rotterdam Public Library: supporting people low literacy
Summary
Common policy: Participation Ladder
Close cooperation
All programs are structurally embedded
‘Read and Write’ logo
Training of staff
Rotterdam Library is a fixed component of municipal civic
integration courses
Besides: focus on youth!

32. 1000 parents a year training in reading to toddlers
Results?: Yes!
In groups = 500 participants and in the years thereafter 1000 people/year
1000 parents a year training in reading to toddlers
users a year of the e-centers /centers of media literacy
50 workshops for pupils in technical and vocational training/year
Trainees in the library of colleges of medium and higher professional education