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 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am Dansville - In Library

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


Early Childhood Music with Teacher Liz

Monday Jun 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Downtown Lansing - In Library

Join Teacher Liz for interactive, play-based music classes! In these classes you will move, listen,â...


All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Jay H. Recommends

The Secret Library
12-year-old Dally has had enough of her business-minded mom’s insistence on practicality over the spirit of adventure her late grandfather instilled in her. When she follows her grandpa’s...
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Jackie M. Recommends

American Murderer
Doctors never guessed that hookworms were making people sick, but zoologist Charles Stiles knew better. Working with one of the first public health organizations, he and his colleagues treated the...
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