Studies show that children from lower economic environments have fewer cognitive-enrichment opportunities, fewer books at home, visit the library less often, and spend more time watching TV (Kumanyika & Grier, 2006). Neighborhoods in Forsyth County are residentially segregated, and highway markers tend to be barriers to black and white and wealthier and non-wealthy neighborhoods. This makes it harder for individuals to cross those barriers for economic and education opportunities and libraries are those places that can provide equal resources for all neighborhoods. In 2015-2016, the Library provided 766 preschool programs to 18,368 children who are financially challenged in Forsyth County.

Forsyth County Public Library has successfully created positive learning environments for preschool children, lending to more opportunities. In addition to our weekly programs, more preschool programs now exist during evening hours, weekends and in outreach capacities, as well as, innovative technology, such as engage tables, iPads and large touch screens that children can use to engage in activities that promote thinking, listening and decision making. Children and families now have the opportunities to bond with each other in beautifully preschool settings outside of their homes and classrooms to enjoy activities that will lend to learning and discovery.

The Library has achieved two significant outcomes with the proposed programs offered to preschool children in Forsyth County. We have provided institutional capacity by sharing programs children can learn and grow from. By creating various learning environments, the Library has been able to address learning gaps that plague communities, and offer ongoing learning environments that are beneficial. The Library has also provided lifelong learning opportunities for young children where they can entertain new thoughts and ideas, allowing them the chance to grow and accept learning outside of the context of a home and classroom.