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Arizona libraries offer literacy workshops for non-parental caregivers

Published: Monday, May 9, 2022 - 1:39pm
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Several Arizona public libraries across Arizona are hosting hands-on literacy workshops for non-parental caregivers such as friends or grandparents who are taking care of children. 

Mariko Whelan works at the Scottsdale Public Library as the early learning, youth and teen coordinator. She says non-parental caregivers are an underserved population, especially in rural communities.

"We're focusing on early literacy skills, and how to teach early literacy skills through the daily interactions you have with children. So we give tips on how to do that. We provide a goodie bag that has some tools to help enhance literacy learning at home."

Whelan says non-parental caregivers tend to be more prevalent in rural communities where day care may be too expensive or there just aren’t enough to meet the demand. 

Upcoming events

May 12: Main Library - Yuma County Library District, 928-782-1871
May 19: Maricopa Library and Cultural Center, 520-568-2926
June 11: Red Mountain Library – Mesa, 480-644-3100
July 18: Morenci/Clifton Library, 928-865-2775
Aug. 10: Page Public Library, 928-645-4270
Aug 13: Coolidge Public Library, 520-723-6030
Aug. 16: Globe Public Library, 928-425-6111
Aug. 17: Pima Public Library, 928-485-2822
Aug. 18: Show Low Public Library (tentative), 928-532-4070
Aug. 19: St. John’s Public Library, 928-337-4405

Education