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Library steps up for kids, parents

The First Steps program at Palm Harbor Library will offer parents access to child-raising advice and resources. It seeks to captivate toddlers, too.

By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published December 25, 2004

PALM HARBOR - The Palm Harbor Library's new First Steps program won't begin until March, but parents of tots are already asking, "When can I sign up?"

First Steps will offer a series of five sessions for children ages 1 to 3 and their parents. The program will provide families with access to early childhood professionals, library resources, parent education and play time.

Each session will last an hour and cover topics such as music and movement, health and nutrition, child development, preliteracy and parenting.

First Steps' goals include not only helping parents, but helping toddlers become comfortable at the library.

Traditionally, people view libraries as places to bring their children who are ready to read or have to work on school assignments, said Lois Eannel, Palm Harbor's assistant director and head of youth services.

Eannel hopes to change this perspective by getting children interested in libraries early so they grow into lifelong library users.

"Libraries are so much more than a collection of books," she said. "They are cultural centers, family centers, a place that has something for everyone."

Moreover, children's programs are created to make local families feel welcome. For that reason, the First Steps program will provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere where parents, who often live far from extended families, can discuss concerns and get answers on child-rearing issues.

Libraries are an ideal place to provide these services, she said, because they provide equal access for all and are free.

Eannel applied for a $5,000 grant from the Citigroup Foundation to pay for the First Steps program. The library ended up receiving $7,500, which she said will buy toys, art supplies, storage units, brochures and cover other miscellaneous program needs.

The grant establishes a good partnership with the library by "investing in educational and recreational needs" of local children and families, said Casey D. Willette, branch manager at CitiFinancial in Palm Harbor.

This will not be the library's first venture into specialized child development programs. In 2002, the library invested in a collection of toys for hearing-impaired children. It also has two specially adapted computers for individuals with physical disabilities and developmental delays.

Eannel worked as a librarian on Long Island for 10 years and had experience there with a similar parent-child workshop program. She tweaked that a bit to come up with Palm Harbor's First Steps program.

The workshop series will be held in the community room, where there will be areas for blocks, infant toys, puzzles, toddler books, developmental toys, large gym pieces, an art activity area with a new craft each week, a toy kitchen, dolls, puppets and music. In addition, there will be a resource area for parents to gather related information.

Small group discussions and informal one-on-one sessions will help parents get answers from community specialists to specific questions they may have, while a librarian will be on hand to serve as facilitator and children's services specialist. The librarian will provide parents reading guidance and tips on where to find information on parenting issues.

In keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere, the program, while geared to children 3 and younger, will allow siblings up to 5 to attend.

Each five-part session will be able to accommodate 15 families. Starting in March, two back-to-back sessions will be available on Friday mornings.

"Small children love libraries," Eannel said. "You never see them cry to come here. They only cry when it's time to go home."

And when parents ask when they can sign up, Eannel tells them, the beginning of February.

Call Lois Eannel at the Palm Harbor Library, (727) 784-3332, ext. 206. The library is at 2330 Nebraska Ave.

[Last modified December 24, 2004, 23:25:15]