Library boosts early-learning resources for local kids

Since the 2016 passage of the Measure Y sales tax, the Sonoma County Library has dramatically increased early literacy resources for pre-kindergarteners. Local tax dollars are hard at work supporting early learners in Sonoma County. 

The library offers a wide variety of opportunities for families to talk, play, read, write and sing. Virtual storytimes, picture book collections, videos and reading programs give parents and caregivers the tools to step into the role of their child’s first teacher, and give tots the building blocks to become readers for life. 

Children’s Librarian Charity Anderson is interacting with children throughout the area through the library’s live Zoom storytimes and other special virtual events. She is also creating content for the library’s @SCL.kids.read Instagram page. 

“Babies and toddlers who are exposed to early literacy skills through the five practices of reading, singing, talking, writing and playing will be better prepared to enter kindergarten and learn to read,” Anderson said. “I love that the simple action of reading to children, not only creates a reader, but also creates a shared bonding experience and memories.” 

Check out some of the library’s early learning resources below: 

• Explore video programming, including virtual storytimes. 
• Participate in reading programs like 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
• Sign up for the library’s Early Literacy Update newsletter! Just check the “Early Literacy Update” box under “Education.”  
• Follow the library children’s Instagram page @SCL.kids.read for short videos with fun storytime songs, read-alouds, and felt board stories.
• Learn more about Sonoma County Library’s early learning initiatives at sonomalibrary.org/kids/early-literacy.

It’s never too early to get children excited about reading and learning. Take your favorite library materials home with curbside pickup! Additionally, your online library never closes. Sonoma County Library resources are online 24/7 at sonomalibrary.org, including thousands of films, TV shows, eBooks, databases, magazines, classes, videogames and more.