Programming Ideas for Libraries: Early Literacy Programs

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple (read a book, any book to your child, with the goal of reading 1,000 before kindergarten) and very manageable endeavor.

Best Beginnings has consistently carried out our mission by investing funds, resources, time, and energy in growing readers, building strong families, and engaging community.
Parents and extended family are engaged in their children’s learning from birth on.
Alaskans know that early learning and literacy are important to society.
Alaskans understand that investments in early learning pay big dividends to the state as a whole.

PLA initiative that focuses on early literacy development. Traditionally, early literacy programs at libraries have focused on children. Public libraries could have an even greater impact on early literacy through an approach that focused on educating parents and caregivers.

Raising a Reader supports families and inspires the development of literacy skills and a lifelong love for reading. We help children attain brighter futures in which they can thrive and contribute in school, the workforce and society.

The well-being of children and nature are inextricably linked. And while research tells us that regular time outdoors is essential for children’s healthy development, today’s kids are less connected to nature than ever before.

Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and develop critical lifelong skills. These 6 benefits all play an important role in raising well-rounded children.

When children play, they learn. They solve problems, think strategically, relate to others, and manage life’s ups and downs. Play helps children learn how to learn – and love learning.

Find ideas and activities to inspire children’s love for the earth and help them become tomorrow’s generation of caring environmental stewards. This kit was developed by the Nature Action Collaborative for Children Leadership Team, a World Forum Foundation Working Group, and Nature Explore.

This guide includes practical tips and implementation strategies aimed at making the research on school readiness actionable for library staff. Included are two accompanying templates to aid with library program planning and program reflection.

Stay & Play is a library service model that positions libraries to support and engage informal caregivers and the children in their care. Stay & Play includes programming designed specifically for informal caregivers, helping them learn, develop relationships, and build connections to their library and community resources.

Babies are born curious about the world, and their brains grow exponentially between birth and age 3 as they develop language, motor skills, and early literacy. The foundation for lifelong learning is built during these critical years.