TLCPL Science of Reading Blueprint
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The 2021-2026 Strategic Roadmap of TLCPL includes the goal of helping children learn to read. In response, our Ready to Read librarians created a Science of Reading Blueprint to guide the work. Action steps for each part of the Blueprint were established. Staff across the system listened to the Sold a Story podcast as a part of the staff buy-in phase. Staff training quickly followed, which helped equip staff with the knowledge to help families and educators while including vocabulary and phonics in library programs. A pilot collection of decodable books was purchased for the system to support our eight public school districts. An engagement work group provides ideas to librarians who deliver programs for all youth to help introduce and review literacy skills that will create stronger reading comprehension. The last phase of the Blueprint involves threading Science of Reading support through all library programming and work groups.
Challenge/Opportunity
Reading instruction in the United States has been a struggle for the last several decades, and only 33% of 4th graders read at grade level or above, according to the 2023 NAEP test. Balanced literacy and whole language instruction left students adrift without a strong foundation in phonics. Background knowledge has been implied and not explicitly taught. The impacts of COVID-19 have only worsened the situation. Strong literacy skills are important for every citizen. The Library recognized this need and is striving to meet it. The Library is a trusted community resource, and families with children of all ages already use the Library. Offering programming with an emphasis on phonics, vocabulary, background knowledge, and onsite support is an effective way to help students in the community become stronger readers. By partnering with our public schools and aligning our collections and programs with the Science of Reading, we can support all students learning to read.
Key Elements of Innovation
Our Science of Reading Blueprint is a well-developed plan for our staff to support the families of Lucas County. By providing staff with high-quality training, decodable book collections for customers, and innovative programming, TLCPL is truly helping make an impact. Students learning to read are supported with a decodables collection aligned to the school curriculum. Families of young and struggling readers receive support through librarian interaction and referral to the TLCPL's Ready to Read team. This team has years of experience supporting families whose children are learning to read. Engaging programming helps new readers and readers who benefit from phonics review strengthen their reading skills. The Library has also partnered with area school districts to make sure they are meeting the needs identified by the school personnel. Customers appreciate the Library's focus on this new initiative and have found it helpful.
Achieved Outcomes
All public services staff are participating in several hours of Science of Reading training. Programming incorporating the principles of the Science of Reading has begun with plans to expand next year. A pilot collection of decodable books is available to customers, and the collection will grow in 2025. Summer youth engagement activities incorporated phonics, vocabulary building, and oral reading practice. A Reading Help website for families and educators was launched to help support the community in this initiative. The next phase of planning support for tweens and teens will begin in 2025. Plans are also being made for an Orton-Gillingham tutoring program to launch in 2025. We've shared our work through multiple avenues, including Toledo Blade articles (1/24 and 4/24), the Ohio Governor's Literacy Roundtable (4/24), the Public Library Association conference (4/24), and an Urban Library Council webinar (7/24).
