Wonder Libraries

20 Expert Perspectives on What Kids Need Now
A vibrant collection outlining actionable steps to nurture joyful, supportive learning in varied settings. Rich with expert insights and real-world examples, it offers concrete ideas to spark curiosity, foster authentic relationships, and empower communities, ensuring every child’s growth is celebrated and enriched.
Though librarians, educators, and other professionals who serve children and teens continuously strive towards equitable outcomes that help kids heal, grow, and flourish, it can be a challenge to settle upon small, actionable steps for moving forward. This collection shares a rainbow of ideas, initiatives, and activities for promoting joyful, supportive learning for every child. It gathers contributions from thought-leaders and advocates working with youth outside the realm of the public library, collecting their expertise, best practices, and recent research. With examples applicable in a variety of settings, from this book readers will

• find concrete ways to spark happiness, kindle curiosity, and deepen learning in kids;
• receive guidance on building authentic relationships and humble partnerships with children and communities;
• learn about real-world examples that explore becoming a "trusted messenger" to new parents, Reach Out and Read at Lurie Children’s Hospital, food literacy, trauma-responsive library services, nature and Indigenous wisdom, using gaming to foster literacy, countering misinformation in the Black Community, technology-based play, STEM learning, summer programs, and many others; and
• discover five action items at the conclusion of each essay that will enrich their work and their organizations.