Family Place LibrariesTM (FPL) is a national model that transforms public libraries into community centers for early literacy, parent education, and family support. Since its formation in 1996, over 500 libraries in 32 states have joined the FPL network. The Haywood County Public Library (HCPL) implemented the national model in 2019. The overarching goal of this initiative is to help improve library services for young children and families, and to strengthen the library's role in contributing to shared goals in the community. The purpose of this presentation will be to inform other North Carolina library staff about this program and its components, to detail the staff experiences, to share the value of this program, and to advise others regarding lessons learned. The presentation will overview the seven FPL goals and how a public library can implement the program, including: improving library services for young children and their families, strengthening the library's role in the community, and enhancing literacy access for young children. Libraries can implement these goals by training staff, updating parent collections, designing special spaces for children and families, collaborating with community partners, and hosting five-week parent-child workshops and other children's programs. The FPL model supports the community goals for young children set by North Carolina' Early Childhood Action Plan. Interacting in an environment that equips children to build strong brain architecture and school readiness skills, helps ensure healthy development. This vision for healthy, successful children is set by North Carolina's Early Childhood Action Plan, and implementing the FPL model is one way North Carolina public libraries can align with this vision. The FPL components build on the traditional strengths of public to libraries in creating opportunities for children and families to flourish. In 2023 at the 64th Biennial North Carolina Library Association Conference, Canton Branch Manager Jennifer Stuart & Youth Services Librarian Ashlyn Godleski presented a poster on the HCPL's positive experience of becoming a Family Place Library. Implementing the FPL model has been a great experience for Haywood County. The program is achievable for any size public library and is a great opportunity for other NC public libraries who would like to build their role as a vital community center for young children and their families.
Thursday October 16, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT Salem 3A301 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
