Children's Services

Children’s Services includes children from birth to age 11 as well as their parents and caregivers. The Library offers workshops, storytimes, books and activities to help nurture a love of reading and learning. We also have children’s areas in every Library where parents and children can read, play and learn.

Early Literacy (ages 0 - 4)

Learning begins at birth and parents are a child's first and most important teacher. Early literacy encompasses what children need to experience before they learn how to read and write. This begins in the first three years of a child's life and is related to the interaction children have with books, everyday language, singing, scribbling and playing. Help your child get ready to read with simple activities every day including:

• Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words and information.
• Singing is a natural way for children to learn about language.
• Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.
• Writing and reading go together. Scribbling and writing help children learn that written words stand for spoken language.
• Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.

ACTIVE READING

READ TO ME CHARLOTTE

StoryWalk

Independent Literacy (ages 5 - 11)

The Library offers reading recommendations, online resources, booklists, programs and student support.  Libraries serve as extensions of the classroom, offering resources students need to succeed in school.

• Book Suggestions are available from knowledgeable library staff both online and in-person.
• Educational Support can be found through free online resources, programs, collections as well as library spaces for studying and learning.
• Parent Support is provided through workshops, online resources and knowledgeable library staff.
• Resources can be found through online and print materials as well as knowledgeable staff.