At BrightRoots, we have always believed that it takes a village to raise a child. That belief comes alive in the partnerships we build with organizations across our community, and few partnerships have been as impactful as our collaboration with the Riverside Public Library.
What started three years ago as a simple arrangement for monthly library visits has grown into a multifaceted partnership that touches nearly every aspect of our programming. From book deliveries and storytime visits to parent workshops and summer reading challenges, the library has become an essential extension of the BrightRoots learning environment.
How the Partnership Works
The foundation of our partnership is a shared commitment to early literacy. The library's children's services team and our educators meet each quarter to plan programming that aligns with our curriculum themes and supports the developmental needs of our children.
Each month, the library delivers a rotating collection of picture books selected to match our current units of study. When our Nature Explorers program is learning about insects, a bin of books about butterflies, ladybugs, and ants arrives. When our classroom explores community helpers, books about firefighters, doctors, and mail carriers appear. This curated approach means our children always have access to high-quality, relevant books without our having to maintain an enormous permanent collection.
The library also sends a children's librarian to BrightRoots twice a month for special storytime sessions. These visits introduce children to a different reading style and personality, expand their exposure to diverse books, and build a positive association with libraries and librarians that we hope will last a lifetime.
Library Card Drives
One of the most tangible outcomes of our partnership has been getting library cards into the hands of every BrightRoots family. During enrollment, we work with the library to offer on-site library card sign-ups. For families who may face barriers to visiting the library — whether due to transportation, work schedules, or unfamiliarity with library services — this simple step opens a world of free resources.
To date, we have helped more than 150 families obtain library cards. Many of these families report that they now visit the library regularly, discovering not just books but computer access, community meeting spaces, and family programming.
Parent Workshop Series
The library hosts a quarterly workshop series specifically designed for BrightRoots families. Topics have included building a home reading routine, choosing age-appropriate books, using the library's digital resources, and supporting bilingual literacy. These workshops are offered in both English and Spanish and include childcare so that parents can fully participate.
The workshops have been consistently well-attended and highly rated by families. Parents tell us they feel more confident supporting their children's reading at home and more connected to the resources available in their community.
Summer Reading Bridge
Each summer, the library and BrightRoots collaborate on a summer reading challenge designed to keep children engaged with books during the break. Families receive a simple reading log and a list of suggested titles. Children who complete the challenge earn a certificate and a new book to keep, donated by the Friends of the Library.
Last summer, more than eighty percent of our families participated, and several parents reported that the challenge helped establish daily reading habits that continued into the fall.
The Power of Partnership
What makes this partnership work is mutual respect, shared values, and genuine communication. Both organizations are committed to equity, access, and the belief that every child deserves a strong start. Neither organization could achieve alone what we accomplish together.
If you are a community organization interested in partnering with BrightRoots, we would love to start a conversation. And if you are a BrightRoots family who has not yet visited the Riverside Public Library, we encourage you to stop by. A world of stories is waiting for you.