"This book of essays written by experts shows us that the needs of kids are profound, multi-faceted, and tied to the inequities in this country and encourages readers to explore creative, loving ideas to move forward in service of children and communities who have not felt welcomed or seen in the public library"--
Though librarians, educators, and other professionals who serve children and teens continuously strive towards equitable outcomes that help kids heal, grow, and flourish, it can be a challenge to settle upon small, actionable steps for moving forward. This collection shares a rainbow of ideas, initiatives, and activities for promoting joyful, supportive learning for every child. It gathers contributions from thought-leaders and advocates working with youth outside the realm of the public library, collecting their expertise, best practices, and recent research. With examples applicable in a variety of settings, from this book readers will
- find concrete ways to spark happiness, kindle curiosity, and deepen learning in kids;
- receive guidance on building authentic relationships and humble partnerships with children and communities;
- learn about real-world examples that explore becoming a "trusted messenger" to new parents, Reach Out and Read at Lurie Children’s Hospital, food literacy, trauma-responsive library services, nature and Indigenous wisdom, using gaming to foster literacy, countering misinformation in the Black Community, technology-based play, STEM learning, summer programs, and many others; and
- discover five action items at the conclusion of each essay that will enrich their work and their organizations.
Children's librarians will feel informed and get inspired by this book's many innovative, research-backed strategies for helping kids succeed and families prosper.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: What Do Kids Need Now?
Chapter 1: Trusted Messengers and Welcoming Spaces Susan Neuman
Chapter 2: Sunday Candy: The Power of Community, Culture, And Creativity
Sheryl Evans Davis
Chapter 3: Relationships Matter: From the Personal to Partnership Mariana
Glusman
Chapter 4: Understanding Trauma and Responding with Care Margo Jacquot
Chapter 5: Inclusion Is Love Sterling Nell Leija
Chapter 6: Food Literacy: A Recipe to Connect Families, Cultures, and
Communities Philip Lee
Chapter 7: Building Equity through Educational Partnerships Allison Rose
Socol
Chapter 8: Treasuring Adolescence Kimberly Garza
Chapter 9: Indigenous Wisdom: Healing the Planet and Our Children Sunny
Dooley
Chapter 10: Play and Nature for Healing and Health Daniel W. Hatcher
Chapter 11: Here to Play: Games and Gaming Promote Learning in the Library
David L. Hoyt
Chapter 12: The Art Effect: How the Arts Impact Children in Libraries
Susan Magsamen and Sandra Magsamen
Chapter 13: Play and Learning in the Digital World Brett Nicholas
Chapter 14: With Information and Liberty for All Joseph Williams
Chapter 15: Think Like a Scientist: Preparing Todays Youth for a
Technologically Advancing World Bryan Wunar
Chapter 16: Summer Matters to Kidsand So Do You Aaron Dworkin
Epilogue: A Letter from Childrens Author Carole Lindstrom
Appendix: Answer Key for Jumble
About the Contributors
Index
Elizabeth M. McChesney has three decades of experience in childrens librarianship and library administration. She has earned Library Journals Movers & Shakers Award, the National Summer Learning Associations Founders Award for Excellence, and the Association for Library Service to Childrens Distinguished Service Award, and she is a recipient of the John Cotton Dana Award. McChesney serves as the director of community engagement and early childhood for LaundryCares Foundation, is a senior advisor in educational equity for the Urban Libraries Council, and is the field consultant in libraries and literacy for the National Summer Learning Association. She passionately believes in the public library as a place of learning, education, joy, and wonder for all kids. This is her fourth book.
