Libraries and Out-of-School-Time (OST) Programs

What is OST?

Out-of-School Time (OST) programs include the universe of programs and services available to children when they're not in school—before and after school, on weekends and during the summer. Most are staffed and structured for a specific academic or recreational purpose.

WHY OST programs?

No one knows the exact number of children home alone while their parents are at work. One study found that some 14 million or 25 percent of children in grades K-12 spend some time alone, while only 14 percent participate in after-school programs. (1) The dangers of children left unsupervised are well known. These include juvenile crime, substance abuse, poor school performance and other problems. There is growing proof that quality OST programs improve academic performance, school attendance and student behavior, especially among disadvantaged youth. (2) A study by the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College in California found that for every dollar invested in after-school programs taxpayers will save approximately $3 spent on other services. (3)

Why libraries?

Almost every urban neighborhood has a library. Admission is free and the doors are open to everyone. Most urban libraries are open evenings and weekends and have staff members who specialize in serving children. Libraries have a tradition of youth service that includes summer reading and other enrichment programs and classes. Today's libraries continue to seek innovative ways to help young people succeed. These include homework assistance programs both at the library and online, volunteer and work opportunities, and a variety of programming. Many libraries have teen advisory groups who recommend programs for their peers.

Libraries make great partners and can help bring communities together to provide quality programs for youth. Many of the best programs are offered in cooperation with local school systems, youth-serving organizations, businesses, foundations and other community agencies.

Impact

Considerable research has confirmed the value of library summer reading programs. (4) Kids who read and use the library during the summer months retain their reading skills better are better prepared to hit the school year running. Research shows a link between frequent attendance in OST activities and improvements in academic performance, school attendance, behaviors, attitudes and self-esteem. (5) A 2004 report New on the Shelf: Teens in the Library (6) found that library-based OST programs for teens had many positive outcomes for youth, libraries and their communities, including:

· Better school performance
· Improved social and job skills.
· More positive relationships with adults and peers
· Increased knowledge and use of the library
· More and better services for youth, their families and others in the community
· A stronger, more visible leadership role for the library

What’s happening

Here are a few examples of how libraries are addressing the needs of children and teens during out-of-school time.

New York—K-12 students have a powerful new online tool thanks to the Learning in Libraries initiative funded by The Wallace Foundation. A homework assistance website—www.homeworkNYC.org—was developed by the city's three library systems—Brooklyn, Queens and New York Public—in cooperation with the NYC schools. The site is rich with links to helpful resources and offers live assistance from teachers. It also offers resources for parents and other adults to help their children and further their own education.

Broward County, Fla.—Some 300 children a day attend after-school enrichment programs at 10 branches of the county library system based in Fort Lauderdale. The Afterschool @ your library program was designed in cooperation with local schools and community agencies. Its director is a former school library media specialist and English teacher. Launched with foundation funding, the program is now funded by the tax-supported Children’s Services Council of Broward County. The program received an achievement award from the National Association of Counties.

Cuyahoga County, OH Public Library—Homework Help Centers for K-6th graders are offered from 4:30-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays at eight branches. Library materials pertinent to school assignments are provided. Students can sign up for tutoring in problem subjects. Started with a grant from Sam’s Club, the project is now funded with federal funding received from the county. The coordinator is a certified teacher. Trained volunteers assist.

Philadelphia—The Free Library of Philadelphia offers LEAP (Learn, Enjoy and Play), a drop-in service for 1st-12th graders, at all branches. The program provides homework help, computer-assisted learning and multicultural enrichment activities for more than 57,000 students through grade eight at 35 branch libraries. Teens are trained and paid to serve as assistants. The project is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Pew Charitable Trusts, other foundations and corporations.

Los Angeles—The library's Camp LAPL offered during the summer months, brings children living in hotels and shelters in the downtown area to the Central Library, where they participate in storytelling workshops, magic shows, science projects, crafts and performing arts as well as the Summer Reading Club.

For More Information
Contact: Veronda J. Pitchford, Program Officer, ULC, Tel: 847.866.9999
vjpitchford@urbanlibraries.org