Preschool Outreach PlusRapides Parish Library

Alexandria, LA

POP Circulation Figures1997 - 2008

23,243

9,999

29,408

41,94542,061 42,762

50,950

55,740

65,786

73,225

78,104

82,998

In The Beginning…

Noticed fewer children in the libraryStory times were not well attended

Circulation figures were downWhere were the children?

We found them in child care centers and Head Start programs

Identify NeedStart small. You will have a window of

opportunity of about 1 ½ hours in A.M. to make delivery.

Send letters to centers, offering a free delivery of bags & story times.

Call or visit them for their replies.THEN start building your POP. Make it a

separate collection.

POP? What Is It?

FREE!Delivery of Themed Material

Centers must have Class A Daycare Licenses from State

Centers are Responsible for MaterialsScheduled for a 3 Week Use Period

What’s In Those Bags?Toddler & Preschool Bags

Children’s CassettesChildren’s Books

Flannel Board StoriesPuppetsVideos

Teacher Resource BooksSongs & Fingerplays

Big Books

ResourcesStaff

Books & MaterialsTransportation

Inventory SystemStaging & Storing Area

FundingFriends GroupsGrants

2004 Coming Up Taller Award2006 Capital One LA Education

Initiative Grant 2005-2007 First Book’s Book Relief

2007 Junior League GrantTownsend Press Free BooksFeed the Children Book GrantLibrary BudgetDonations Weeded Materials

AdditionsSchool Age Program

Children’s Programming Concerts for children

Expanded Existing CollectionDedicated POP BuildingWorkshops for Providers

At-Risk Teens

The Plus in POP

At risk, transitional familiesNon traditional needs

Individual needsOne Stop one time

At risk, incarcerated teensThe Library Ladies Newsletter

Future Plans

Create a manual for others to use in developing their program

Spread the word!Document program’s progress

Continuing education to ensure more workshops

for teachers

Benefits For Library

Great working relationship with other organizations in community

Beautiful circulation figuresPR Tool

Touches 1000’s of preschoolers with literacy

Gives underserved children an even start in life

Have Questions?Contact:

Susan BakerPreschool Outreach Plus MGR.

318-442-2483 x 206sfbaker@rpl.org

Rapides Parish Library5416 Provine Pl

Alexandria, LA 71303

POP VANS & BUILDING

Vehicles bought with grant funds in 2007 & 2008

The Best Reasons To Do POP