Richard Byrd Library serves one of Fairfax County’s most diverse communities, where 33.1% of local students speak Spanish at home (Fairfax County 2025 Community Index). Yet, like many public libraries, there is a lack of bilingual staff which made it difficult to connect consistently with Spanish-speaking families. At the same time, the branch sought to expand early literacy and school readiness programs through Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services’ Springfield Neighborhood School Readiness Team (NSRT). The opportunity arose when a WIC team member expressed interest in collaborating. Together, the library branch and WIC developed a model that integrates early literacy, nutrition education, and cultural inclusion; offering a warm, welcoming space where families hear stories and songs in both English and Spanish, engage with trusted WIC educators, and connect with one another.

The program rethinks the traditional storytime model by integrating two public services, library early literacy and WIC nutrition education, into one bilingual, co-facilitated experience. Library staff curates the stories, songs, and materials, while WIC staff contribute translation, cultural insight, and valuable nutrition messages. Each session includes three books and three songs, with at least one always themed around food or healthy eating. Afterward, families enjoy open playtime with food-themed toys and puzzles that reinforce learning through connection. Both organizations gain mutual benefit: the library gains a Spanish-speaking facilitator and access to WIC’s community network, while WIC reaches families beyond its client base. The partnership model uses existing county resources, builds staff capacity, and offers a scalable framework for other branches or jurisdictions.

Since its launch in April 2025, the bilingual storytime has served over 170 participants, averaging 30 attendees per session. Families who primarily speak Spanish have joined regularly, and have gained exposure to other Spanish-language offerings within the library as well as other county agencies. The collaboration has strengthened relationships across Fairfax County’s service network, especially among NSRT partners, who are exploring future joint efforts. Library and WIC staff both report professional growth: WIC educators are learning early literacy techniques, library staff gain comfort with Spanish language and cultural engagement. Plus, both agencies are reaching families that had limited access to public programs before. The next step is a participant survey to measure discovery sources, qualitative feedback, and continued community impact.