A Quasi-experimental Evaluation of an Early Literacy Program at the Regina Public Library Évaluation quasi- expérimentale d'un

Public libraries play an important role in the provision of free, interactive, community-based learning opportunities that build the capacity of parents/care- givers to support the development of their children's early literacy skills. Despite public library practice of delivering early literacy programs, questions about program impact on how parents/caregivers support the development of early literacy for their children are largely under-researched in library and evaluation literature. This article presents the research design, analysis, and results of a quasi-experimental approach to evaluating the Regina Public Library's Mainly Mother Goose program for chil- dren under 24 months and their parents/caregivers. Key lessons about the research approach are discussed and future research directions for early literacy programs in public libraries are identified.