Theme: Connecting Libraries and Literacy Agencies

Case Example: Community Literacy Collection Program (CLC): Linking Literacy and Libraries project · 2003 – Present. Contact person: Mary Reynolds · AlphaPlus Centre · Toronto ON

Motivation for CLC Program: In 2002, AlphaPlus conducted a feasibility study with libraries and literacy organizations across Ontario to see what opportunities there might be for partnerships. The results of the study showed that there was a high interest on the part of libraries and literacy organizations in partnering on initiatives that could enhance and promote literacy service delivery.

Description of the CLC Program: The goal of the CLC Program is primarily to raise community awareness of the availability of resources and services to help attract more adults with literacy challenges into the library. The Program is facilitated by AlphaPlus and involves partnerships with literacy organizations and public libraries in communities across Ontario. To date, partnerships have involved mostly Anglophone, Francophone, and First Nations communities. Libraries get a collection of up to 200 current literacy resources for a year to a year and a half. The collection includes resources on topics such as basic reading, writing and math, high interest/low vocabulary readers, computer skills, job skills and family learning. Libraries also get catalogue records they can input and use to track usage. Literacy organizations meet with libraries to choose the pieces for the collection. Libraries get the material shelf-ready. Both libraries and literacy organizations sign an agreement that they will promote the collection and participate in an evaluation. AlphaPlus provides a promotional kit to partners.

Successes and Impacts: New CLC Program partnerships have been steadily increasing since the program started. Literacy organizations have gained from having resources that are suitable for their learners in the library. The Program facilitates crossing the threshold into the library—a building that has been intimidating in the past. Literacy organizations also gain access to space and computers for learners, and learners also get to see what else is available to them. Literacy organizations also use their expertise to assist libraries in their orientation sessions for adult learners. In some communities, parents, grandparents, school teachers and others have also used the collection. Libraries have recognized the need to improve their collections and now more have budget lines for literacy. Libraries have also gained an increased understanding of adult learners and how to work with them. Libraries and literacy organizations have strengthened and expanded their partnership through the CLC Program. The program has raised overall expectations about the need to have these literacy resources in the community.

Challenges: Sustainability has been the biggest challenge once the loan period is over. AlphaPlus has addressed this challenge by extending the loan period and topping up the collection with 50 new resources.

Future Plans: AlphaPlus will continue the CLC Program and expand into the deaf community.

Advice: Think through the model for such a program before starting. It’s taken AlphaPlus three years to work out its own model