Libraries as Partners

 "Libraries are key to what we’re doing in America. They are key to the education process."

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino

 
"Montgomery County’s Early Childhood Initiative brings the County services – the school system’s early childhood staff, our Department of Health and Human Services, and our public library system – together with childhood service providers to make sure our children enter school ready to learn."

Montgomery County Executive, Douglas Duncan

The reason I’m excited libraries are getting the recognition they deserve in this out of school conversation is because the conversation has finally gotten around to learning. In the past, the out of school movement was working on keeping kids out of trouble. Libraries were not seen as serious players in that space. As the conversation has shifted from "after school hours" to "hours of opportunity to learn," there is a real space for libraries to come in as partners because libraries are in the learning business. Libraries, for many of us, are wonderful places for free choice learning. They are wonderful places to go when you want and grab what you want.

Karen Pittman, Executive Director, Forum for Youth Involvement

 
Technology now permits us to have the same library card in our schools and public libraries. It may seem like a little thing, but it makes a statement and it says we working together.

Supt. Tom Payzant, Boston Public Schools

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County Executive Douglas Duncan; Harriet Henderson, Director of Montgomery Public Libraries; and Beth Molesworth, Montgomery County Early Childhood Services.