We support the development of early literacy skills for our youngest readers and their parents/caregivers. Our early childhood area and programming are designed to encourage the five early literacy practices of reading, talking, playing, singing and writing.
Visit us to enjoy our large selection of board books and picture books, or to play in our early childhood area complete with trains, blocks and a pretend market. Browse our collection of parenting books nearby or connect with other families in the community.
Explore our book recommendations for kids ages 0+ with our booklists. Discover upcoming events and useful information in our Preschool Newsletter.
Winter schedule:
Thursdays | 10-10:30am & 10:45-11:15am | 1/9 - 3/13 | The Hollow
Second Sunday of the Month | 10:45-11:15am | 1/12, 2/9, 3/9 | The Hollow
Join us for stories, songs, and sign language that build early literacy skills. No registration required, but capacity is limited to the first 50 attendees. Intended for ages 0-5. Prefer online? Go to our YouTube channel for stories, songs, and activities that promote early literacy skills.
Wednesdays | 11-11:30am | The Hollow
Join us for a special storytime designed for babies and their caregivers! This interactive program promotes early literacy skills through sharing books, songs, sign language, and rhymes.
No registration required.
Tuesdays 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 | 10:45am | The Hollow
HEART STRINGS MANDARIN is an Early Childhood Mandarin Music and Movement Program for Children, curated by a bilingual language and music educator, with training in music therapy and qualifications as a mental health therapist. Join us for a series of thirty-minute programs specially designed for young learners. We will sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories. We welcome all levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers. Recommended for children five and under accompanied by their caregivers. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis; no registration required.
心弦中文是一个为儿童设计的幼儿中文音乐与律动课程。老师拥有音乐治疗的背景及心理治疗的资格。我们同时提供线上和实体课程。心弦中文的中文歌曲也在音乐平台上串流播放。
Fridays 1/17, 2/14, 3/14 | 10 & 10:45am | The Hollow
Join us for a special puppet storytime! Intended for ages 3 and up. No registration required.
Starts Sunday March 16 | Youth Services Desk
Build writing and literacy skills with this free alphabet workbook! For ages 5 and under.
No registration required but supplies are limited.
Wednesdays 4/2 - 4/30 | 11-11:30am | The Hollow
Learn strategies for signing effectively and meaningfully with your young child.
This program is recommended for children ages 3 & under. No registration required but capacity is limited.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is the largest children’s literacy program in the world and provides a free book mailed to a child’s home monthly from birth up to age 5.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has been shown to increase the frequency of reading books together, leading to increased kindergarten readiness. To sign up, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/ or stop by the Youth Services Desk to complete a paper registration form.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced early literacy program that encourages caregivers to read 1000 books with their child before they enter school. Reading to children builds vocabulary and language skills, and prepares them to enter kindergarten with many other needed skills for success. Any child age 6 or younger who has not yet entered kindergarten can register.
How do I participate?
The Library has teamed up with our Parks & Recreation Department to combine two of our favorite things: reading books and exploring the great outdoors! Together we invite you to the StoryWalk® at Fields Bridge Park.
