Public Libraries as a Place For Kids to Eat and Learn During the Summer

From The New York Times:

Librarians used to forbid any food or drink to avoid staining books and attracting pests. People who tried to sneak snacks in the stacks would be reprimanded. But in recent years, a growing number of libraries have had a major shift in policy: They are the ones putting food on the table.

Hundreds of libraries are now serving federally funded summer meals to children to ensure that they don’t go hungry. The change is part of an effort to stay relevant to patrons, and to pair nutrition and educational activities so low-income children get summertime learning, too.

The article includes comments from:

• Enid Costley, Library of Virginia
• Natalie Cole, Consultant for the California State Library
• Danielle McFarland, Children’s Librarian, Elmwood Place, Ohio
• Janet Ingraham Dwyer, State Library of Ohio
• Andie Apple, Kern County (California) Libraries

Read the Complete Article (approx. 1500 words)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries