Public libraries have a high demand for early literacy development programs. Parents heavily rely on these services to develop literacy, encourage academic success, and ensure a higher quality of life for their children. However, with the birth of a new child, each parent regresses to the status of a new parent. Regardless of whether the parents have one or more children, each child correlates with a new experience of parenthood. Due to the pandemic, new parents' mental health and the reliance on technology for supportive online and virtual resources have been increasing in public libraries. This poster presentation will analyze new parents' information behaviors and mental health challenges and how innovative public library programs can address the societal barriers, expectations, and information overload new parents face.
.jpg "VALERIE TOHOM photo")