During this challenging time, children’s academic success hinges on access to quality remote learning supports. When CPL closed its branches to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Children and Family Services team embraced the opportunity to adapt their popular in-person storytimes and STEM- and play-based activities to new online platforms. The team worked quickly to develop tools to engage young learners and connect caregivers with the wealth of free, interconnected learning resources accessible through the library.

The Learning Journey simplifies online learning by encouraging kids to “Read, Join, Explore, Write, Tune In, and Investigate” each month. Educators can use the tool to engage students between remote learning sessions. A highlight of the program is Live from the Library, which pairs celebrity storybook readings with CPL librarian-led activities. Readings stream each weekday on Facebook Live and stay available for families to view. To date, 22 million families worldwide have tuned in and connected with CPL’s online offerings.

The Learning Journey streamlines online learning for all. To date, the tool has attracted 50 new donors to the Library Foundation at the $5-100 level, 10 of whom are now recurring donors. Patron comments also indicate Learning Journeys make library resources accessible to children who had difficulties participating in in-branch programming. As one user stated, “I love that Live from the Library readings include ASL interpretation. My child has difficulty hearing, so it’s great that he can engage with the storytimes!”