S2E3: Finding Community, Cultural Connections & Resources in Your Local Library

In this episode, we will talk about a long-standing, but often overlooked, resource for young children and families: public libraries. Libraries not only provide free books to borrow, they also offer resources, tools, and opportunities to help their communities thrive.

We will explore how regular trips to your local library can help both promote early learning and build community and cultural connections, enhancing a young child’s overall well-being. We will also explore funding and resource disparities and how this impacts libraries’ ability to serve their communities.

To help us navigate this journey we will hear from Anthony, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Oakland Public Library and co-founder of the Father Circle.

We will also hear from Marie, a mom to a one-year-old child and Development Manager for the National Center for Youth Law.

Highlights:

• 1:17- What is a third place?

• 9:00- Libraries are not funded equally

• 24:00- Tips for parents of young children going to the Oakland Public Library

• 26:50- Multilingual resources at the Oakland Public Library

• 30:50- Finding a sense of belonging for mixed race families at the library

• 33:38- Marie’s favorite book recommendations