The newly revised and updated Early Years Handbook for Public Libraries was officially launched at the Children and Youth Services Special Interest Group (CYS SIG) seminar in Castlemaine last month by Hon Maree Edwards MLA, Member for Bendigo West.
Download the Early Years Handbook for Public Libraries.
The handbook is a new iteration of the Early Years Literacy Toolkit for Public Libraries, updated to reflect contemporary inclusive practice. The original toolkit was developed by State Library Victoria in collaboration with Public Libraries Victoria and published in 2017. While remaining a useful resource in terms of the overall framework, PLV’s CYS SIG was keen to see more guidelines and resources for inclusive storytime and early years literacy programming.
The handbook was developed Raising Literacy Australia in collaboration with Public Libraries Victoria. The project working group comprised: Cathy Beckwith (Designer), Julia Jones, Jane Lemon and Sarah Wight, from Raising Literacy Australia; Angela Savage, Public Libraries Victoria; Christine Peters and Laura Farrington, PLV Children and Youth Services Special Interest Group Co-convenors; Beth Luppino, PLV CYS SIG Mentor; Wendy Bonqueur, Monash Public Library Service; Julie Hooper, Stonnington Libraries; and Emma Wallis, Your Library.
Early Years Handbook for Public Libraries focuses on inclusive early years literacy practice to ensure families of all kinds feel welcome in the library. The handbook will help library staff to create opportunities for all children to see themselves and their families in the stories they read, sing, listen to, watch, feel and/or sign.
Together with recommended reading lists, songs and craft activities, the handbook includes a series of ‘Spotlights on Inclusive Practice’ provided by libraries across Victoria, to inspire and provide practical tips and techniques, including the resourcing of activities. There is also a new section on Acknowledgment of Country in library program delivery for children and young people.
This digital resource is a living document that can be updated periodically to reflect new resources and practices.
Feedback on the handbook can be sent to [email protected] or via the CYS SIG.
How exciting!
I can’t seem to access or download the handbook. Is anyone else having a similar issue?
Hi Emma,
Yes unfortunately there are some hiccups with the link. We will let you know when it is fixed.
Michelle
The issue has now been corrected. Thank you for your patience.
can we get hardcopies of this handbook too?
Please and Thank you
Hi Elysia, we only printed copies for the launch, all of which have been distributed now. If Connected Libraries wanted to print more on demand, we could supply the print-ready files. Contact [email protected] if you are interested.