Library & early childhood education cooperation

The agreement drawn up to support cooperation between early childhood education, preschool education and the library of the city of Ikaalinen was put into use on 1 January 2022. The aim of the agreement is to guarantee all early childhood education units and children systematic and equal opportunities to foster and develop a reading culture and reading hobby. The development of a reading culture in everyday activities strengthens children's interest and motivation for reading.

The library's mission is to support the work of early childhood education units in supporting children's linguistic development and encouraging reading. The goal is also to make versatile use of the services offered by the library.

The management of early childhood education, preschool education and the library are responsible for implementing the agreement. The designated contact persons in early childhood education, preschool education and the library are responsible for communication. Practical cooperation is carried out by each employee of early childhood education, preschool education and the library according to their own areas of responsibility.
 

Forms of cooperation for different age groups

0-3 years old

The library and early childhood education work together to stimulate children's interest in books and reading. The library offers early childhood education literature appropriate for the children's age.

4-5 years old

The library and early childhood education strive to support the development of children's multi-literacy skills. Children's positive attitude towards libraries is fostered through independent visits to the library premises by groups. Library staff attend events organized by early childhood education, participate in them remotely or produce materials for use at the events.

Preschoolers

The library is one of the first public services that children learn to use independently. In the preschool year, children receive a library card application and get to know the library's facilities and materials on a guided library visit. The library supports preschool education in developing multi-literacy skills.
 

Other key forms of cooperation

Book boxes

The library assembles material packages on topics and themes requested by the group. The book boxes are delivered via internal city transport. The material is borrowed using the group's library card, and the groups are responsible for renewing and returning the material on time.

Independent library visit

Early childhood education groups are welcome to visit the library by notifying the library in advance.

Guided library visits

The library offers guided library visits. Visits may include a presentation of the library's services, facilities and materials. Other types of guided visits can also be planned and agreed upon together with an early childhood education or preschool employee.

The library as a space provider

The library offers facilities, for example, for exhibitions by early childhood education units, upon agreement.
Other forms of cooperation organized by mutual agreement may include storytime and reading sessions, book recommendation lists for staff or parents, and various reading campaigns, projects, and events.

Eskari library bags

Library and early childhood education cooperation plan (pdf)

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Pirkkaset exhibition