The Role of the Public Library as an Alternative Force in Early Childhood Education. Commissioned Papers Project, Teachers College, No. 3.

A new look must be directed at the role of the public library in providing additional preschool experiences for poor children. At the national level, federally funded programs, foundation aid for children's television, and the supportive declarations of national professional organizations point to efforts for bringing services to young children in less advantaged neighborhoods. The local public library has long been active in services to young children. Now, because of changes in communication media and social needs, libraries find their services must expand. Three contrasting approaches can be distinguished: story hours, nursery school programs, and total family serivce in the form of an alternative neighborhood learning center. Other activities include concurrent parent programs, toy loan services, and fine arts programs. Although it is recognized that libraries, especially in rural and inner city areas, must reach out with more children's services, in most instances the planning of preschool programs is sporadic. An articulated philosophy of children's serivces is needed. To this end, research should be conducted on the effects of family and social environment, on preschool learning, and on the effectiveness of specific programs and materials. (Author/SL)