Image
Abstract: Family Engagement in Public Libraries: Protective Factors and Play
Through use of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework from the Center for the Study of Social Policy and using a Play-Based Learning model for early childhood education, small, rural libraries in Southeast Kansas are helping to increase protective factors for the prevention of child maltreatment. In 1998, the Hasbro Foundation funded the Family Place Model at Middle County Library in Long Island, NY and based on best practices in early childhood education. Updating this model, Family Engagement in Public Libraries (FEPL) uses modifications to the Family Place Model to be more responsive to the needs of small, rural communities. Based on observational data collected by implementing librarians, results demonstrate increases in the number of families with small children using the library and attending programming events, families staying at the library longer periods of time, increases on circulation of children's materials, and increases in community partnerships. These positive results indicate that strategically and intentionally implementing a program using the principles of best practices in family engagement and early childhood education, as well as protective factors for the prevention of child abuse, has positive impacts on small, rural libraries, creating a primary prevention model for the prevention of child maltreatment.