Blog Action Day 2008 PovertyIt’s Blog Action Day, where bloggers address a single subject to create dialogue and, well, action to a single cause: poverty.

My first idea was to create a list of simple ways to fight poverty, but to be honest, I don’t think I create a better list than 88 Ways to Do Something About Poverty.

So instead, I’m choosing to write about something near and dear to my heart: education. It’s been said that education is the silver bullet to fight poverty. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, since quality education relies on quality funding. But regardless of the condition of your local school districts, there’s still one place you can count on to promote education, free speech, and the betterment of all citizens: the local library.

Today I’d like to provide you with a handful of actionable things you can do to provide free, quality resources for families of all income levels.  Why focus on libraries? Isn’t that tangential to the larger issue of poverty? Certainly. But I’ve seen the difference a library card can make on the poorest children, and it’s something that most people can help with. It’s a small step that can lead to a huge difference in the lives of many.

Today’s public libraries offer far more than free access to books and reference materials. Today’s libraries are a top job resource for people of all economic backgrounds. In many towns and cities, the public library is the only place that offers free internet access. Libraries offer free computer classes, literacy classes for new parents, a huge range of completely free educational opportunities for children, as well as a safe place to be. From preschool art classes to early literacy outreach programs, public libraries are one of the only free pre-K educational resources available to those in poverty. The learning opportunities and literacy experiences are invaluable in the early developmental years, and can boost school performance and confidence in children in later years.

Public Library
So how can you help your local library provide services that can benefit impoverished families in your community? How can you help children become active, literate learners and creators? First, talk your library director. They’ll have the most information on what’s needed and what’s allowed within your local system. Most directors are happy to interact with members of the public, especially when you’re trying to help. Think of the following as a menu of ways you can choose to help encourage education and literacy in your local community.

  1. Donate money toward specific programs. Even $20 can make a big difference. That $20 can buy enough paint for dozens of preschool art programs, a set of tambourines for a music & movement class, or paper for hundreds of informational fliers.  You can earmark your money for specific programs, or contribute to develop a special part of the collection, such as job resources or online subscriptions.
  2. Volunteer your time. Not all libraries accept volunteer workers, but those that do depend on them. Volunteer program leaders ensure that more families are able to participate in free classes, as staff is usually stretched to the limit already. Or, ask how you can help. Something as simple as helping to create or cut out craft projects for storytimes helps your local library provide vibrant, engaging literacy experiences for children. completely free of charge.
  3. Spearhead new programs. So your library doesn’t offer music and movement? Let your director know that research out of Chapel Hill links the development of large motor skills through music and movement classes to higher levels of literacy. Find ways to solve the library’s problems and concerns and seek out outside funding if necessary. Develop a presentation for the board of trustees to make your idea into a win-win for the entire community. You can talk about adding discovery art classes, after-school programs, storytimes, lap-sit storytimes, puppet shows, and anything that you’re passionate about.
  4. Make outreach connections. So your library isn’t reaching out to those in poverty? Find ways to help the staff make those connections. Be an outreach liaison. That can mean introducing key people who can then work together, such as your library director and a women’s shelter director. It can also mean promoting the library in low-income classrooms by being a volunteer reader and library ambassador. Many times, people who could most benefit don’t use the library simply because they don’t know what’s being offered, and they don’t know that it’s free. Let them know, and show them what a friendly, welcoming place the library can be.
  5. Secretly pay off overdue fines. Many impoverished families don’t use the library because they can’t risk incurring overdue fines or losing books. Ask your library director or account manager if there are any accounts you could pay off as a charitable gift. Or if that isn’t allowed under their guidelines, campaign for a no-fee policy. It’s been done in many places–why not your community? Focus on showing the library the benefits to them (increased circulation rates, fewer staff members needed to focus on account management, better PR) and you might win them over.
  6. Organize a bookmobile. If people can’t afford to make it to the library, bring the library to them.
  7. Teach classes at your library. Computer skills are almost a necessity to compete for today’s jobs. Teach those skills by being a volunteer instructor. Some patrons simply want to learn the basics of computer use, while others would like to know about Excel or Word. Or, offer a resume workshop. You can help those in need create quality resumes that give them a better chance of landing quality jobs.

My overall point is that there are many things you can do to address the issue of poverty within your own community. Look at the resources that are already there, and find ways to make them even better. Best wishes and thanks for reading!

Creative Commons License photo credit: gadl

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