Once again, the Buell Foundation is generously supporting the Colorado State Library’s (CSL) partnership with public library systems across the state to implement Growing Readers Together (GRT). Between 2016 and 2018, fifteen library systems piloted a variety of ways to engage with Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) child care providers through an enhanced focus on early literacy.
Building on those experiences, in its third year of operation GRT is moving beyond the pilot phase and expanding into twenty-four library systems throughout Colorado. While the expansion means greater geographic reach, the overall goals of the project remain the same:
- FFN caregivers in Colorado will have the skills, confidence and resources to engage the children in their care with early literacy materials and activities daily.
- Public library staff in Colorado will have strategies to connect FFN caregivers in their area with early literacy services.
- CSL will develop state-level infrastructure for early literacy support to FFN caregivers and the children in their care.
- Children under six throughout the state will be exposed to language and literacy-rich experiences in informal childcare settings and at the library.
The participating public libraries that have been or currently are involved in Growing Readers Together are:
