During a two-week Institute sponsored by Western Michigan University's Department of Librarianship, elementary school librarians and children's librarians explored aspects of childhood deprivation and development, investigated methods of library involvement in early education and produced concrete plans of action. A team approach was used to overcome personal racial and professional prejudices, and consultants from the fields of education, psychology, creative arts, and librarianship provided professional advice. The essence of the Institute is distilled in and illustrated by this publication. It includes the salient points which consultants made about the characteristics of the disadvantaged child, the elements of a successful program, and types of materials. Examples of plans prepared for individual communities are included, along with a brief planning checklist and bibliography. (AB)