Together We Grow: Connection Building through Play
Edmonton Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Edmonton Public Library's (EPL) intergenerational outreach program, Together We Grow, reduces social isolation within an early literacy-focused, cognitively stimulating program. Offered in partnership with retirement residences, Together We Grow reaches older adults who cannot visit the library due to mobility, memory, or other health issues while concurrently providing young children 0-3 and their parents, many of who are new to the area, with a chance to connect with another generation. Together We Grow incorporates more “classic” rhymes, stories and songs to encourage older adult participation without sacrificing the program’s important early literacy focus. In addition, extended community time and unstructured playtime facilitate social interactions among participants. This joyful, intergenerational literacy program enables EPL to break down barriers, reach the underserved, maximize limited resources and foster better understanding and connection in the community.
Challenge/Opportunity
EPL strives to provide diverse services for citizens of all ages and backgrounds. Demand for early literacy programming is high, exceeding capacity in many branches, with all programming timeslots filled. Further, Edmonton’s population is aging and growing due to international immigration and inter-provincial migration. A creative solution, like intergenerational outreach programming, allows EPL to address the needs of several audiences with minimal impact on resources. Retirement residence program directors want to connect their residents meaningfully with the community, and Edmonton newcomer families are often geographically distanced from their own relatives. Partnerships between retirement residences and EPL bridge generations and strengthen community ties while expanding access to high-quality early literacy programming for young children.
Key Elements of Innovation
Together We Grow exemplifies EPL's commitment to innovation through its Community-Led Service Philosophy, which prioritizes understanding and responding to the unique needs of Edmonton communities. Together We Grow fosters cross-generational interaction by incorporating a modified program plan, targeted facilitator training, and dedicated community time for unstructured play and relationship-building. This approach supports equitable and inclusive programming that strengthens community bonds. Through partnerships with local retirement residences, Together We Grow allows the Edmonton Public Library to reach new audiences and co-create meaningful experiences that address a critical community need.
Achieved Outcomes
The Together We Grow program demonstrated significant success in achieving its goals. Over five series at two locations, attendance consistently reached the upper end of EPL's optimal range for early literacy programs, with enthusiastic participation from both families and older adults. Feedback from caregivers, older adults, facility staff, and EPL staff was overwhelmingly positive, recommending the program with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. The program was also impactful for adults with memory care issues; facility staff reported that many participants would spontaneously recall events from the program days later, demonstrating a lasting positive effect. Additionally, a postal code analysis revealed that caregivers were traveling from across the city to participate, underscoring the program's wide reach. Overall, this program embodies EPL's mandate as a community connector by fostering intergenerational relationships and creating a more inclusive and vibrant Edmonton.
