Designing, setting up and running a baby library

This project to foster an interest in books is based on an experience-driven analysis of librarians’ needs. On one hand, there is a need for specialised training to justify book selection for young children in theoretical terms. On the other hand, librarians require knowledge of interactive offerings that engage children, parents and library staff whilst also enabling them to participate actively.
The theoretical foundations of the approach presented draw on an in-depth knowledge of children’s psycholinguistic and socio-emotional development, as well as strategic expertise in group facilitation which the author acquired at Canada’s Hanen Center, which specialises in early childhood development.
This article, based on many years of experience in public libraries across diverse sociocultural and linguistic environments, presents an approach that brings numerous families together with their young children. The goal is to facilitate access to spoken language and immersion in story worlds by creating encounters with difference, valuing both individual characteristics and the strength of the community.
The various offerings are designed to engage young children’s interest, to develop their sensitivity to listening to stories, to stimulate curiosity and to engage all five senses, so they can discover each picture book in the baby library through playful and joyful exploration.