Family Place Symposiums Archive

Past Symposium presenters include author, educator and developmental psychologist, Betty Bardige; Charlotte Huck Professor, Barbara Kiefer; and parenting and child development expert, Jennifer Birckmayer. 


James Keller
James R. Keller, AIA, is a partner with the multi-disciplined architectural/engineering firm VITETTA, based in Philadelphia. Mr. Keller created the VITETTA Library Design Studio in 1996.

Building Block:
Creating Spaces for Young Children watch

At the 2010 National Family Place Symposium, held at the Multnomah Public Library, architect, James Keller shared ideas for creating inviting, attractive and functional early childhood library spaces. Click the link above to view his presentation.

 

 

vicki
Vicki Hawley is an early childhood teacher, coach, trainer and consultant.  Her current work at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) includes supporting families and teachers, primarily in low income communities, in the area of early language and literacy development

The Power of Play:
Its Impact on Early Literacy and Learning open button

At the 2008 National Family Place Symposium, held at the Minneapolis Central Library, Vicki Hawley discussed why play is integral to early childhood development, literacy and learning. To view her powerpoint, click the link above.

 

 

pannebaker Susan Pannebaker, Youth Services Coordinator, Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania.

Symposium Introductions:
The Development of Family Place in Pennsylvania watch

Susan Pannebaker, Youth Services Coordinator, Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania discusses the development of Family Place as a state supported initiative in  Pennsylvania.

 

 


Dr. Bardige is a developmental psychologist, educator, child advocate and author of numerous publications. Her most recent title is At a Loss for Words: How America is Failing Our Children and What We Can Do About It. 

A Wealth of Words: Developing Language and Literacy with Infants and Toddler

Betty Bardige provides an urgent argument for infants and toddlers to experience language in an interactive, relational way to establish crucial language skills. She offers guidance on what works—at home and in society to reduce the achievement gap that begins before three years of age, and the vital role librarians play in this process.



Norm Maas is the director of the Norfolk Public Library.

A Director's Perspective

Norm Maas provides an administrator’s perspective on the impact Family Place has on libraries and the reasons why he brought Family Place to three library systems.   

 

 

How can we ensure that our toddlers and our three year olds get those content rich, congnitively challenging, language building experiences that they need, so our four and five and six year olds ... don't have to catch up?  Family Place Libraries can be a model, a training site, an information source and a catalyst. You can start by providing a language rich setting ... that [parents and child care providers] can replicate in their own homes or child care centers.

— Betty Bardige, Ed. D.       Vice President, A.L. Mailman Family Foundation