Lunch at the Library provides opportunities for libraries to strengthen existing community partnerships and build new ones. Partners can help libraries introduce families to community resources, present programming, provide food for parents and caregivers, connect library staff with volunteers, provide funding, and more. California-based partnership opportunities include:
- California Department of Education Nutrition Department
- California Department of Public Health Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch
Lunch at the Library connects public libraries with school districts and local community-based organizations. It strengthens collaboration within cities, counties, and special districts, building stronger communities and providing improved support for families. It also provides a great opportunity to engage community leaders and highlight the library’s role as a community hub. Some examples of partnering agencies include:
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- Adult schools
- After school programs
- Arts organizations and museums
- Bookstores
- Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and scouting groups
- Businesses and corporations — local, state, and national
- Caregivers and nannies
- Clinics and hospitals
- Colleges and universities
- Community centers
- Community clinics, Kaiser Permanente, Red Cross
- Community colleges
- Faith-based organizations
- Farmers and Farmers’ Markets
- Festivals
- Food banks
- Local entrepreneurs
- Local small businesses
- Movie theaters
- Parents’ groups
- Parks and Recreation — local, state, and national
- Police, Fire, and Sanitation departments
- Police explorer program
- Public Health departments
- Public housing
- Public utilities
- Rotaries and service organizations
- Schools
- Science organizations and museums
- Senior centers
- Shelters
- Social service agencies
- Sports teams, major, minor, college, and kids
- Summer camps
- State parks
- Transit authorities
- Youth commissions