Increasing Access to Multicultural Books in Early Childhood Classroom Libraries: An Evaluation of the Diverse Books Project

Abstract

This work evaluates the Diverse Books Project, a program of the Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities, through the analysis of archival data on teachers� program participation and anticipated use of the program resources (Study 1). We also gathered retrospective data on teachers� perception of the program抯 utility (Study 2) to help inform future iterations of the program and to provide guidance to other institutions or schools that aim to create similar programming. The Diverse Books Project was designed to provide teachers with access to multicultural children抯 books for their classroom libraries. The program delivered over 1,700 copies of books to more than 100 teachers. The data suggest teachers perceived important benefits from the program for both themselves and their students. Recommendations are provided for future program iterations and lessons learned are offered for institutions who aim to create similar community-school partnerships.