Please see below for a PLA/Harvard Family Research project on family engagement and children’s learning in libraries. For those who are interested, they ask that directors of both library systems and local library branches complete this survey in consultation with librarians and staff as needed. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 reishk@michigan.gov<mailto:reishk@michigan.gov> Having trouble viewing this e-mail? View as a web page<http://iz4.me/UN8t2z5621V1>. ________________________________ Dear Colleague, Public Library Association and Harvard Family Research Project are delighted to be working together on a new project to explore family engagement in children’s learning through libraries. As part of this project, we are asking that directors of both library systems and local library branches complete this survey<http://iz4.me/VN8t2z5621V1> in consultation with librarians and staff as needed. We anticipate the survey will take about 8-10 minutes of your time. Please complete the survey by February 26, 2016. We plan to share results by the summer of 2016. You can link to the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLAFamEngage<http://iz4.me/VN8t2z5621V1> The purpose of this survey is to gather information about how libraries are engaging families and the family engagement topics libraries are interested in learning more about. We define family engagement as a shared responsibility among families, schools, and communities to support children’s learning and development. Family engagement is important from birth through young adulthood and it happens everywhere children learn – including the library. For families, family engagement is about knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors that enable children to be motivated, enthusiastic, and successful learners. For libraries, family engagement entails respectful partnerships that offer the information, guidance, and opportunities for families to be active in children’s learning and development. Please contact Harvard Family Research Project at fine@gse.harvard.edu<mailto:fine@gse.harvard.edu> with any questions you might have. You can learn more about the project and get involved at: www.hfrp.org/libraries<http://iz4.me/WN8t2z5621V1>. Best, Public Library Association and Harvard Family Research Project ________________________________ www.pla.org<http://iz4.me/XN8t2z5621V1> • (800) 545-2433 x5PLA American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611 ala.org<http://iz4.me/aN8t2z5621V1>. If you do not wish to receive further e-mails from PLA, please click here<http://iz4.me/bN8t2z5621V1>.