Discusses the library's responsibility toward children, including the development of literacy skills, the use of public libraries by latchkey children, and increased demands for youth library services. The need for children's services now to improve the outlook for adult services later is examined, and suggestions for non-children's services…

Change Analysis; Discusses after-school homework programs in public libraries that help latchkey children and others who need extra support and encouragement. Considers changes in librarian's attitudes toward homework help; the history and need for community-based after-school programs; scholastic benefits for students; and library staff benefits,…

Considers the challenges that unattended, or latchkey, children create in public libraries. Discusses demographics and factors that have led to the increase in unattended children; typical library responses; opportunities for service to this group; elements of successful programs; future trends; and further research needs. (Contains 50…

Describes policies and services developed by public libraries to deal with the needs of both latchkey children and unattended adolescents. Issues addressed include students' rights to recreational activities, community involvement in library programs, patron conduct and supervision, and balancing the needs of all library patrons. (CLB)

Describes successful programs for latchkey youth in public libraries. Information was gathered from 17 libraries described in the book "Latchkey Children in the Library Community." Four years later, four libraries expanded their programs, seven modified them, and six no longer offered programs. (JKP)

Describes three literacy organization and public library programs: Project LEARN (Cleveland, Ohio), which encourages higher-level beginning adult readers to want to read on their own; Greenville County (South Carolina) Library's Latchkey Kids Program; and policies on unattended and disruptive children developed by Iowa City and Cedar Rapids (Iowa)…

Discusses the need for extended-day programs for latchkey children and describes several existing programs, including cooperative ventures between school and public libraries. Strategies for the development of afterschool programs by media specialists are recommended. (MES)