Information is also available from 'village information points' in rural areas and increasingly on the Internet as The National Grid for Learning is established, as well as library outreach programmes. One of the aims of The National Literacy Strategy is to reach parents in the workplace. LaunchPad, an initiative which aims to promote the value of libraries to children, has received National Year of Reading funds to create a library-based project called Reaching Parents in the Community. Workplace libraries also have a role in disseminating information to employees about childcare facilities and local services. Management of information is crucial to ensure currency, accuracy and availability.
Librarians are trained information specialists.
The experience gained, as well as the value of the services provided, mean that libraries will have a significant contribution to Local Childcare Partnerships and should be seen as key players from the outset. Public libraries, without exception, provide library services to children and young people from the ages 0 -14. Libraries hold selections of picture books and other materials for the very young, as well as information books, recreational reading material, fiction and non-book materials for older children. Storytimes, book-based events, homework clubs and holiday activities are some of the activities commonly undertaken by library services. There are teenage sections too.