Every parent has probably heard that it is important to read to their young children.  A local Young Fives teacher has said that every September she can tell which of her students have been read to and which have not!  So read early and read often!

Why read to your child?
  • Builds vocabulary
  • Familiarizes them with the printed word even if they can’t read it yet!
  • Instills a love of reading.
  • Teaches them how to use and care for a book. (Which end is up and how to turn a page without tearing)
Tips on reading to your child:
  • Let your child help pick out the books that will be read.
  • Look for books with illustrations that appeal to your child.
  • Talk about what is in the pictures. (Ask them what they think is happening in the pictures.)
  • Point to the words as you read them.
  • Read at a time when your child is ready to listen, even if it is only for five minutes at a time!
 Library resources and programs designed to enhance the parent/child reading experience include:
  • Over 6500 picture books.
  • Juvenile non-fiction collection that includes books for young children who enjoy true books on subjects such as dinosaurs, trucks, and animals.
  • 1000 Books before Kindergarten.  Children registered for this program receive a log book to record titles and a book bag.  For every 100 books read, your child will receive a gold sticker and a new paperback book to keep.
  • Discovery Backpacks. Over thirty backpacks are available to check out. Each backpack contains five books based on a preschool-appropriate theme.
  • Play ‘n’ Learn.  This is a literacy playgroup presented by the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District on the second Tuesday of the month (September-May) at 9:30, 10:45, and 6:00pm.
  • Storytime.  Hear stories, participate in flannel board activities, songs, finger plays and crafts with Miss Marilyn and Miss Elizabeth. Stories can be recorded in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten log.
  • Youth Services Staff.  We always enjoy helping patrons find books to read to their children!