In Fall 2023, Albany County Public Library received a $115,000 grant from Albany County Government ARPA Recovery funds to form an early development coalition. The Albany County Early Development (ACED) Coalition’s goal is to build a group of organizations to collectively support ages 0–5 and their caregivers.
ACPL is playing a central role in the coalition is a natural fit, as literacy is integral to early child‐ hood development. So far, the coalition has about 15 partners onboard that meet monthly to discuss how best ACED can serve the community. The coalition has come together quickly because of the interest and great need in Albany County. A large focus of the coalition is on low-income families and families that are at risk or need more help with early childhood development. ACED gives the partners an opportunity to spread the work, connect with one another, and share resources. ACPL is functioning as the primary organization, as the group begins to work on a series of pop-up events for parents, caregivers, and professional caregivers in our community.
