Library Youth Outreach

Library outreach to young people and their families may not come naturally to everyone, but the good news is that this book provides a wide variety of ways to get started. With tightened library budgets becoming the norm, librarians run the risk of cutting back so much that they isolate themselves from their patrons and their communities. This doesn't have to happen. The outreach methods detailed here range from simple actions to detailed processes, providing helpful information for those new to library outreach and those with years of experience.

"The ideas in this book can help grow both attendance and circulation, not only among children and young adults but also their families who accompany them to the library. The book is very easy to read and has a great many useful ideas. It should be on most public or school library media specialist's professional development shelves or personal reading lists...highly recommended"--ARBA; "value as a reference guide"--Australian Library Journal; "well-written and informative...highly recommended"--Library Media Connection; "This book offers creative, easy-to-implement outreach and programming ideas that will create positive, lasting learning experiences, build life skills, and pave the way for our nation's budding future leaders."--Kathleen Clauson, Western Illinois University; "Provides a broad spectrum of great ideas to invigorate your library's youth programming...you'll refer to this again and again!"--Suzann Holland, Director, Monroe Public Library, Wisconsin; "Library Youth Outreach offers dozens of immediately usable ideas for connecting outside the library walls...an essential task for today's libraries."--Elaine Williams, Highland County District Library, Lynchburg, Ohio; "This anthology has captured creative ways for libraries to instill in younger patrons that the library is a sanctuary for adventure, dreams, escape, entertainment, hope, and recognition during a time when forming lasting bonds with younger customers is more important than ever."-- Kaley Daniel, Texas Tech University Libraries; "An invaluable resource for librarians with examples of successful library programs, outreach, and community partnerships...for all ages and populations."--Aline Wilson, retired, Hernando County Public Library System, Brooksville, Florida.

Kerol Harrod, Denton, Texas, librarian, is the creator, writer and co-producer for the children’s television show Library Larry’s Big Day. Carol Smallwood is the author or editor of numerous books and journal articles. A Michigan resident, her experience includes school, public and special libraries.