Supporting new parents in diverse communities with creativity and compassion

Life in the 21st century presents challenges for all new parents (birth/adoptive/foster). Librarians, as free community-based professionals, are extremely well poised to offer targeted supports to families with young children but may not know what parents in their communities actual want or need. In this session, attendees will see early years library services from parents' perspectives, learn how to assess diverse parents' information needs, and be introduced to great ideas for serving new parents with creativity and compassion. Together, the two presenters have over 50 years of experience developing and delivering responsive, culturally respectful, and fun programs and services to new parents in their communities. By drawing on research, program evaluation data, as well as their own reflections on their practice, the presenters will help you develop strategies for expanding your offerings to new parents and you will leave with lots of new ideas for reaching out to and serving the young families in your communities.