Learning to read can be a truly magical time in a child’s life. And BCLS can make it even more transformative with programs, activities and collections that help kids develop a love of reading, both at the library and at home.
When it comes to literacy, experts say, opens a new window the best time to start is early childhood. In fact, the National Education Association reports that there are tons of benefits for children who participate in early childhood education before they turn 5. For starters, they’re less likely to repeat a grade, and more likely to graduate from high school and become higher earners in the workforce. The perks can truly last a lifetime.
If those facts have you interested, here are some resources to help get you started right here at BCLS:
- Online Resources - Check out our online resources to get kids excited about reading. Kanopy’s Reading and Literacy for Kids, opens a new window, which features songs, read-aloud storybooks and more – all available on the device of your choosing! If on-the-go learning is more your speed, check out TumbleBooks, an online resource that you can use with your library card to access interactive picture books, chapter books, videos, books in various languages, educational resources and more.
- Events - If you prefer in-person offerings, check out the BCLS calendar of events. Try storytimes for kids, babies and toddlers at branches like Pemberton and Cinnaminson, where stories, songs, and playtime will keep your child (and you) enriched and engaged. Once your child is able to read on their own, you might want to sign up for one of our Read to a Dog events, where kids can practice their skills and read books of their choosing out loud to a registered therapy dog, which can increase literacy skills and foster the confidence to keep reading.
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten - This program is a fun and popular way to introduce kids to reading as early as infancy. Families and caregivers are encouraged to read with their young children, with a goal of 1,000 books before they start school. Every book counts, no matter where they hear it, even if it’s the same book over and over again! Kids will receive rewards along the way and a special certificate once they finish. Caregivers can register their children online, opens a new window or in-person at their local branch. Check out the 1BBK Collection in our catalog!
- Collections - BCLS has tons of materials available to read in the library or check out! The system is home to a robust collection of pre-loaded read-along books. Each comes with a built-in audio player that reads the book aloud with you and your child, and there are many popular titles to choose from, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Bad Seed. Each branch also has a dedicated Special Needs Collection packed with books for children with all abilities (and their caregivers, too).
