Reading in Transformative Times: Children's Frequency of Access to Public Library Materials Relative to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

This survey of parents of children ages 2-18 (n = 240) investigated children's frequency of access to public library materials prior to (T-1), during (T-2), and predicted after (T-3) the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequency of access to public library materials was compared by demographic and other factors. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference T-1-T-2 and T-2-T-3. Significant interactions were found for school environment and frequency of access over time, with online and hybrid students showing a significant decrease in access from T-1 to T-2 and an expected significant increase from T-2 to T-3. Results suggest that children's reading behaviors were impacted, thus academic performance may have been impeded.