Outreach services are a primary focus for the Arlington Public Library, and beginning this spring, the library's new Literacy LINK will provide children and families across the city with a new way to discover and checkout their favorite picture books and children's materials.
Funded by a grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the Literacy LINK is a colorful vehicle stocked with English and bilingual picture books, board books, and child-friendly tablets called Playaway Launchpads that are pre-loaded with literacy games and activities. The vehicle will be used as part of the Library's outreach services, visiting schools, recreation centers, apartment complexes, and other locations around Arlington.
"The Literacy LINK is a way for us to get books into the hands of our youngest readers," Library Services Manager Ivonne Kieffer said. "By taking this vehicle into the community and making it part of our outreach services, we are providing families additional opportunities to share the joy and benefits of reading with their children."
Library cardholders can borrow materials from the LINK and return them to any Arlington Public Library location. Kieffer said that this method of off-site checkout can help busy families who may not always have time to visit their neighborhood library branch.
"Our hope is that the LINK will enhance services to current patrons and also bring in new users," Kieffer said. "For those families in Arlington who haven't had time to stop in and explore the children's collection, this could be the bridge to help them discover what the library has to offer."
Library cards are free for Arlington residents, and cards can be issued from the LINK. To apply for a library card, visit http://arlingtonlibrary.org/library-card/.
To learn more about the Arlington Public Library and all its services and programs, visit http://arlingtonlibrary.org/. To request a visit from the Literacy LINK to your school or event, contact Ivonne Kieffer at 817-459-6920.
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