Engaging Babies in the Library

October 1, 2016

Having read the research on the development of children's brains, visited museums with child-centered exhibits, consulted parents and librarians, and, best of all, observed baby and caregiver behavior in the library setting, Knoll has produced a volume full of ideas for enhancing the comfort of caregivers and offering learning opportunities for the tiniest library users. Recommendations are always cognizant of babies' developmental needs, such as tummy time and a trusting environment, as well as caregivers' social, informational, and practical needs. Suggestions are divided into sections called "Baby Steps" (inexpensive fixes to extant programs and facilities, such as exhibiting art at babies' and toddlers' eye levels and providing in-house babysitters) and "Big Steps" (suggestions for more extensive improvements, such as establishing an area for nursing mothers and family-friendly restrooms and staffing improvements such as the hiring of a full-time librarian with child development credentials). For every "Big Step," there is a more practical "Baby Step." Chapters are enhanced with true stories of the experiences of young families in the library. The book ends with a passionate plea for administrators to advocate for fair funding for the literacy programs they champion. Included are an appendix with International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) guidelines for library services to babies and toddlers and a checklist for assessing the individual library. VERDICT A must-read for librarians and administrators who advocate for early literacy.-Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.