Shared Vision & Bringing the Library to You Grants

As trusted, stigma-free spaces, libraries offer a unique setting to strengthen at-risk families, promote wellness, and deliver a range of important early learning opportunities.

With a $2.7 million investment of state funds, and in partnership with other community service providers, libraries are connecting children, youth, families, and caregivers with the services they need to thrive.

Community hubs provide “wrap-around” community services for early learners, supporting family health and wellbeing. Participation in parenting classes, Kinder Readiness workshops, and “Play and Learn” spaces increased early reading skills, fostered learning and creativity, and strengthened positive parent-child interactions.

A California child spends six hours a day in a classroom and 10 waking hours outside of one. The average school year lasts 180 days. $1.86 million in state funding has enabled libraries to support children and teens during the 60% of their lives they aren’t in school.

After school, on weekends, and during the summer, funded library projects support and improve the social-emotional development of school-aged children and the workplace preparedness of teens. Participating youth had a leadership voice in designing and implementing activities.

All projects involve a partnership between the library and a community organization to better meet all needs of participating youth. Projects range from art instruction in Oakland to teen internships in Oceanside to natural science exploration in Inyo County.

When Californians lack transportation, live far from their library, or work long hours, mobile library solutions make it possible for library users to access materials and services. Over $2.7 million in state funds are supporting twenty libraries as they implement new ways to bring literacy, technology, and other services to those who face challenges visiting their local library. Bookmobiles will circulate in communities where transportation or distance make library visits difficult. Services will include materials check-out, programming, access to wifi, literacy services, and even archiving of important documents.

Open+ is a system that enables library patrons to access library buildings and resources outside of normal operating hours. Created to complement staffed library hours, the system uses cameras, sensors, and automated locks that allow visitors to access hold pick-up areas and other self-service resources.

The Califa Group received a $272,500 grant to implement the Bringing the Library To You: Open+ Pilot Project. Ten libraries participated.

In Tehama County, library user Maria was able to study for and pass a test required for employment. Her working schedule prevented her from visiting the library during traditional hours, and the new hours provided by Open+ enabled her to access materials.