Parent/Caregiver Cafe
Fort Worth Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Community Parent & Caregiver Café transforms library branches into welcoming hubs for families, offering bilingual engagement, literacy support, and access to local resources. Through strategic partnerships and a newly implemented parent needs survey, we tailor services to meet caregivers where they are—building trust, connection, and community.
Challenge/Opportunity
• Caregivers often feel disconnected from literacy resources and community support.
• Initial pilot was limited to one branch, restricting access and impact.
• Library needed a scalable model to deepen family engagement across diverse neighborhoods.
• Lack of data on what families truly need from their library.
• Opportunity to position the library as a responsive, culturally attuned partner in family well-being.
Key Elements of Innovation
• Expansion to five community neighborhood locations,
• Administered bilingual parent survey to identify unmet needs and shape future programming.
• Strategic partnership with local parent groups, community organizations, and social service agencies.
• Seasonal scheduling: spring and fall of 2025 pilot: 4 summer cafés originally planned but received high demand response the pilot scheduled an additional 11 with a total of 15 summer cafes throughout the system.
• Combines open-forum discussions with a library presentation showcasing programs and services, unique experiences such as how to 1:1 opportunities, child development screenings, parent education advocacy courses, and a resource table of information, ready to sign up for library cards.
• Unique library-community nexus: library staff co-facilitate alongside agency experts, reducing barriers to social services.
• Innovative approach repurposes communal reading spaces into dynamic family support centers, setting a new standard.
Achieved Outcomes
• Attendance: 95 caregivers and children across 15 cafés in 2025 (200% increase from pilot).
• Survey Insights: (85) % of respondents requested more bilingual literacy programs and parenting workshops.
• Program Adjustments: Added Spanish-language sessions and mental health resource tables based on survey feedback.
• Partnerships: Formalized collaborations with Education Partners, Catholic Charities, Parent Shield, non-profit Platicas Azules and homeschooler groups.
• Engagement: (95) % of attendees reported increased awareness of library services
• Feedback: 94% satisfaction rate; families praised the welcoming environment and practical resources.
• Staff Impact: Strengthened cross-departmental collaboration and improved community liaison skills.
By uniting our branches with community partners, the Parent & Caregiver Café not only amplifies family engagement but also redefines the public library’s role as an essential community-building force.
