Overview

Early Learning Tips for Parents

Research shows one-on-one interaction between parent and child is critical for early learning. You can help your child develop important literacy and pre-reading skills. Five simple practices that help your child get ready to read are: ReadingWritingTalking, Singing, and Playing. Attending storytime helps children develop imagination, comprehension and attention skills.  

Explore the 5 Practices

Preschool Learning Tools

Practicing preschool skills can be both educational and fun. Explore our online learning tools together.

Go to Preschool Learning Tools

StoryWalks

Not all reading happens on couches. Walk (and jump and run) and read at a CADL StoryWalk.

Learn More

Early Learning Calendar

Print a calendar with daily activities that prepare children for success in kindergarten.

Get the Calendar 

Raising Reader Backpacks

Backpacks filled with books, toys, music CDs and DVDs on a kid-friendly theme.

Browse the Backpacks

CADL Tales

Tune in for CADL Tales, a show that features CADL librarians reading stories and sharing activities.

Watch CADLtales

 

Raising Reader iPads

Check out the full list of educational apps that we provide on our in-branch iPads!

Learn More

Blog Posts

CADL youth librarians are your partner in developing your child's love of reading.

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Everything you need to know about CADL's summer reading challenge.
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Celebrate reading for fun at your local library!
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Discover titles by authors with deep Greater Lansing roots.
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Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge.

All Raising Reader Blog Posts

Storytimes & Playtimes

Family Storytime

Monday Jun 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am Dansville - In Library

Join us on the library patio for engaging stories, songs and activities that introduce early literac...


Toddler Storytime

Monday Jun 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am Okemos - In Library

Stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. Storytime 10:30-11am, free play 11-...


All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Hung W. Recommends

Geuraeseo ireon sogdam-i saeng-gyeotdaeyo
"So That's How These Proverbs Came to Be" is a combination of nonfiction, graphic novel and short stories book for Korean proverbs and slangs.  The readers can be from elementary...
Read More

Audrey K. Recommends

The Spider and the Fly
Exquisitely illustrated and excellently written, this children’s book is an adaptation of a classic cautionary poem. The Spider does his best to woo his latest craving, a lovely lady Fly-...
Read More
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