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.
Summer Storytime Schedule:
Thursdays | 7/2 - 8/13 | 10-10:30 am & 10:45-11:15 am | 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.
Would you like to know what to expect? Preview storytime with our Storytime Visual Story.
Prefer online? Go to our YouTube channel for stories, songs, and activities that promote early literacy skills.
Wednesdays | 11-11:30 am | 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.
Tuesday August 11 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | The Hollow
Is your little learner interested in the violin? Join Youth Music Project for a FREE demo of their popular Violin Seedlings class for ages 3-5! Instructor Eliza will introduce students to the violin with hands-on activities and songs. Don't miss this fun little-fiddle fest! For ages 3-5. No registration is required.
About Eliza:
Eliza Jane Schneider started playing violin at age 7 in the preparatory department of Rochester New York’s Eastman School of Music, where she studied under Anastasia Jempelis, a direct student of Dr. Suzuki himself. Her favorite thing about teaching is, "giving a young person the gift of mastery, and showing them the myriad benefits of a lifelong relationship to the art of discipline, resilience, and tenacity required to master an instrument, find their voice, and accomplish the most worthwhile pursuits in life!"
Wednesday August 19 | 10:00 am | Youth Services Desk
Make some music with this summer take & play kit! Kit includes scarf, wrist bells, egg shaker, and song sheet. For ages 5 and under.
Kits are first-come first-serve starting at 10am on August 19 at the Youth Services Desk, while supplies last. Limit one kit per child.
10 - 10:30 am & 10:45 - 11:15 am | The Hollow | 9/10, 10/8, 11/12, 12/10
Join us for Spanish Storytime, presented by Adventures in Spanish! Our story times are a fun, engaging way to strengthen your child's Spanish skills! Whether you are just starting or continuing your language journey, come join us for a story and song filled time!
No registration required, but capacity is limited.
10:30 am - 11:00 am | The Hollow | 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15
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。
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.
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.
