Raising Children Takes a Community: How Libraries Support Caregivers

A visit to the library can be a magical experience for children, but it becomes even more meaningful when parents and adult caregivers are actively involved. While many library programs are designed with children in mind, parents and caregivers themselves are often an underserved group. However, they can also benefit from opportunities to connect, learn and grow. Libraries can provide a space where parents not only support their children’s development but also build community with other caregivers. Through
parent focused programming like educational workshops or book clubs – libraries can foster moments of connection that strengthen both family bonds and individual confidence for caregivers.

At Cupertino Library, we strive to encourage parents and adult caregivers to actively engage with their children beginning when they are babies. We offer Baby Wearing Dance, where parents can wear their babies in carriers and learn simple choreography to popular songs.

Children’s Literature for Adults is another offering that invites parents and adult caregivers to revisit children’s books through a more reflective, adult lens. Whether reminiscing about beloved classics or discovering new titles, participants can engage in thoughtful discussion and connect with others through children’s literature.

ALSC’s Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee offers valuable toolkits intended to support families during challenging times. These resources cover topics such as trauma or financial insecurity and homelessness. Each toolkit includes curated reading materials and resources that will help librarians develop inclusive programs and provide meaningful support to marginalized communities and the families they serve.

We just celebrated Mother’s Day, a time in which we honor the profound impact of maternal love and sacrifices of mothers and motherly figures across all walks of life. A female octopus lays thousands of eggs and devotes herself completely to guarding them, going without food for up to 10 months until they hatch to protect them from predators and give them the oxygen that they need. She often dies shortly after. Similarly, elephant mothers carry their calves for 22 months and rely on the support of their herd to raise and protect their young – proving that in nature too, it truly takes a village.

Like many animal mothers, human mothers leave an incredible lasting impact on their children’s lives. I was raised by a single mother who showed me the importance of her Hawaiian culture. She taught me that Hawaiian identity is something to be proud of and is so much more than what tourists see in hula, beaches and luaus. She also taught me that motherhood isn’t defined solely by biological mothers but by hānai mothers: aunties, grandmothers and family friends who also love and nurture just as deeply. She introduced me to the world of public libraries, the magic of a library card, the joy of reading and giving back to the community. But most of all, she taught me strength, compassion and how to advocate not just for myself but for others. And now, as I navigate my own journey through motherhood without her, I carry her example and sacrifices with me every day.

Wishing a heartfelt (belated) Mother’s Day to every mother and motherly figure who guide, nurture and love unconditionally.

Raina Tuakoi is the Children’s Supervising Librarian at Cupertino Library with the Santa Clara County Library District. She is a 2012 ALA Spectrum Scholar and 2018 ALA Emerging Leader. Currently she serves as a member on the ALSC Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee and as the California Library Association Begun Scholarship Chair. Raina is committed to creating diverse programming, inclusive spaces, and accessible collections that support children and their families in public libraries.

The post Raising Children Takes a Community: How Libraries Support Caregivers appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 A visit to the library can be a magical experience for children, but it becomes even more meaningful when parents and adult caregivers are actively involved. While many library programs are designed with children in mind, parents and caregivers themselves are often an underserved group. However, they can also benefit from opportunities to connect, learn and grow. Libraries can provide a space where parents not only support their children’s development but also build community with other caregivers. Throughparent focused programming like educational workshops or book clubs – libraries can foster moments of connection that strengthen both family bonds and individual confidence for caregivers. At Cupertino Library, we strive to encourage parents and adult caregivers to actively engage with their children beginning when they are babies. We offer Baby Wearing Dance, where parents can wear their babies in carriers and learn simple choreography to popular songs. Children’s Literature for Adults is…
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