Parent and Family Learning Initiative
Hartford Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Hartford Public Library’s Parent and Family Learning Initiative empowers immigrant and multilingual families through integrated literacy, parenting, and civic engagement programs. Funded by the State of Connecticut’s PEP Grant, this initiative addresses systemic barriers to educational equity by combining English language instruction with early childhood learning, workforce preparation, and digital literacy. The program advances the library’s commitment to inclusion by positioning immigrant parents as both learners and leaders in their families’ educational journeys.
Challenge/Opportunity
Hartford Public Library serves a diverse immigrant and refugee population that faces barriers to educational and civic participation, including limited English proficiency, unfamiliarity with the U.S. school system, and digital access gaps. Many parents struggle to support their children’s learning or advocate for them in school settings. The Parent and Family Learning Initiative responds to these inequities by integrating English language instruction, parenting education, and early childhood learning in an inclusive, family-centered environment. By positioning parents as learners and leaders, the library builds confidence, language fluency, and community connection, creating equitable opportunities for families to thrive academically and socially.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Parent and Family Learning Initiative reimagines the public library as a multilingual, intergenerational classroom that advances educational equity. This holistic model unites language learning, digital literacy, parenting education, and early childhood development—an uncommon combination within library settings. Parents and children learn side by side, building literacy and confidence while strengthening bonds and community connection. The program uses evidence-based instruction, digital tools like Burlington English and Northstar Digital Literacy, and experiential learning through storytelling, crafts, and civic field trips. By addressing barriers that traditionally separate adult ESL, early learning, and family engagement programs, Hartford Public Library pioneers an inclusive model that can be replicated across urban library systems.
Achieved Outcomes
Hartford Public Library measures success through both quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
• Parent Outcomes: Increased confidence engaging with teachers, schools, and community agencies; improved English and digital literacy; consistent participation in PACT activities and independent library visits.
• Child Outcomes: Growth in early literacy, vocabulary, and school readiness; increased borrowing of books and learning materials.
• Civic Engagement: Families attend PTO and school board meetings, participate in community events, and obtain library cards and museum passes.
• Partnership Growth: Strengthened collaboration with state agencies, early childhood providers, and adult education partners.
Participant feedback highlights greater empowerment, belonging, and trust in the library as an inclusive community resource.
