The Meriden Public Library and Meriden's Children First Initiative partnered to enhance the Library's Bookmobile service for young, minority, low-income children and their families. Their efforts were supported by a grant from the Connecticut State Library.

The Bookmobile, already used by the library, lacked the resources and staff to reach this population of children. The goal of this program was to bring the library's parenting and children's services to 250 minority, low-income parents and their children.

The Meriden Library Bookmobile already operated in the community and visited the area's elementary schools, but on a limited basis due to staffing limitations. With a bilingual, bicultural CFI Outreach Coordinator, the Bookmobile could extend its reach to an underserved population.

The bilingual, bicultural CFI Outreach Coordinator identified ways to make library and parenting services available to minority, low-income parents and their children. New bilingual parenting and children's materials and a laptop computer were purchased for the Bookmobile. Additionally, the Bookmobile expanded its route during the summer to include parks, camps and summer free-lunch sites to specifically target this population. The Outreach Coordinator and other Meriden outreach workers encouraged minority, low-income parents to attend library- and CFI-sponsored parent training, support, and leadership groups. They also encouraged them to use existing preschool, childcare, and after-school enrichment programs for their children.

The library's Bookmobile traveled out in the community making regular stops at specific sites. Additional staff were needed who were bilingual and bicultural to assist with translations, materials, and information-sharing on community resources. Other features included programs provided on the Bookmobile and general support and referral information for families.

The grant from the Connecticut State Library was for a specific amount of time. The CFI Outreach Coordinator position was also funded. Possibilities exist to get additional funding at a later date. The "start up" process is not difficult and many things are already in place so this project is easy to sustain.

Parents that used the Bookmobile for the first time became aware of the services. Parents were made aware of community resources and parent-child activities. New materials were added to the list. Families were made aware of the importance of early reading and enrichment programs for young children. They were encouraged to participate. Bookmobile functions were recognized in the community through outreach efforts of staff and newsletters.