Preschool Lending Libraries: What Works?

Comprehensive lending libraries that included books for children and adults, videos, toys, games, and puzzles were an integral part of a program designed to reduce the likelihood of future substance abuse in children attending preschool centers in high-risk neighborhoods in Wilmington, Delaware. This study examined 4 centers to identify possible factors resulting in higher library usage by parents. Quantitative data included tabulations of monthly library usage and inventories of materials. Qualitative data consisted of interviews, on-site observations, and results of a parent focus group. Differences in check-out activity among the centers were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis. Significance levels were #lt.001 for adult books, children's books, and videos, and #lt.01 for manipulative materials. Patterns of differences among the centers as well as the inventories and qualitative data identified several possible contributing factors to higher usage by parents: physical issues, guidelines, special events, staffing, teacher privileges, and acquisition of materials.