Region of Waterloo Library |
What is the Region of Waterloo Library's role in early literacy?
- Early literacy training/parenting resources for families available in the collection
- Early literacy tips provided on website, facebook, twitter and informally through handouts at Family Storytime sessions
- Delivery of programs and support in partnership with Baby Connections, Low German Literacy groups, community daycares, Let's Read Family Literacy Initiative, and Family Literacy Day
Who do we serve (our target population)?
- General Public
Where can you find us?
- Ten branches in rural communities across the Region of Waterloo Library
- Branches are located in: Ayr, Baden, Bloomingdale, Elmira, Linwood, New Dundee, New Hamburg, St. Clements, St. Jacobs, and Wellesley
- Library Headquarters (administration building) in Baden
How do we provide early literacy support for families/caregivers?
- Free library programs: Baby and Me, Wonderful Ones, Toddler Tales, Storytime for 3-5 years, Family Storytimes
- Read with Me resource kits, e-books, Tumblebooks, large collection of age-appropriate books and resources for children, newborn to 6, as well as parents
- Access to books in other library systems through inter-library loan
- Early literacy tips provided on website, facebook, twitter and informally through discussion and handouts at Family Storytime sessions
- Delivery of programs and support in partnership with Baby Connections, Low German Literacy groups, community daycares, Let’s Read Family Literacy Initiative, and Family Literacy Day
How do we provide early literacy support for service providers?
- Family Literacy Coordinator
- Program Resource Materials library available to assist staff in program planning
- New Employee orientation for Children’s Services staff
- Children’s Services Staff Development Days
- Swap Shop sessions (twice annually) where programmers share program ideas with each other
- Twenty hours professional training credits annually for children’s program staff
