Do you do birthday parties?: Caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming in libraries and their motivation for attendin

A mixed-method explanatory sequential design utilizing surveys and interviews conducted at three Florida library systems examines caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming, how these perceptions compare with the National Research Council's Features for Quality Programs for children, and what is their motivation for attending these programs. The results from the survey and interview reveal that caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming align with the National Research Council's Features for Quality Programs. The data shows caregivers' perceptions are very positive toward emergent literacy programming in terms of learning and the environment. Themes emphasized in the interviews on why caregivers are motivated to attend include socialization, getting out of the house, and free access. The results of these surveys and interviews will inform public libraries as to how to design, market, and deliver emergent literacy programming to caregivers with very young children.