Each year, the Division of Library Development (DLD) administers the annual report for public and association libraries, which gathers service and collections information from New York’s 760 public libraries. The annual report also collects information about programming and educational opportunities that New York’s libraries provide to their communities.
The annual report provides a chance to dig deep into library trends and services from many exciting angles. This month, we’re looking at data from the 2022 annual report with a special focus on early literacy programs:
In 2022, 612 public libraries provided 87,394 programs for 1,574,223 patrons.
Of those programs, 63% were geared toward child audiences. 34% focused on children and caregivers together. Programs that were targeted only to caregivers totaled 3% of all early literacy programming.
Libraries made excellent use of community partners to deliver this programming, including childcare centers, non-public schools, health care providers, and public schools and BOCES.
The NYS Library works not only to collect important stories surrounding library services, but also to oversee several initiatives that support the work library workers do to provide early literacy services in their communities. These initiatives include:
Ready to Read at New York Libraries
Ready to Read at New York Libraries is an initiative of the New York State Education Department designed to improve and expand the availability of high-quality public library early learning services in local communities across the State. This program provides customizable toolkits and trainings for caregivers on a range of early literacy curriculum areas.
Supercharged Storytimes for All
The NYS Library partners with OCLC’s WebJunction to bring the Supercharged Storytimes for All (SSA) program to youth services public library staff across the state. This free program helps library workers to deepen and enhance their services to young children and their families.
DayByDayNY Family Literacy Calendar
DayByDayNY is a free online resource for families with daily and monthly book lists, activities, crafts, and health tips. The calendar uses multimedia to enhance books, songs, and family health and bring these components to life and foster a lifelong love for books and learning.
One More Story
One More Story is a free app with an online library of classic and contemporary picture books being read aloud. The app allows pre-readers and early readers to independently engage in and enjoy literature before they are fully effective readers. It is used in schools, libraries, and homes as an early literacy resource for pre-readers, early readers, and English language learners.
More Literacy Resources at the NYS Library
You can find additional information about all the ways the NYS Library supports early literacy and other youth initiatives by visiting the Youth Services webpage for additional tools, training opportunities, and links to research and resources from partner organizations.