Raising Readers

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: Reading, Writing, Talking, 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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Color Our World
Everything you need to know about CADL's summer reading challenge.
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March Into a Good Book
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Celebrate Literacy During March is Reading Month
Celebrate reading for fun at your local library!
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CADL Recommends: Local Authors
Discover titles by authors with deep Greater Lansing roots.
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All Together Now - Let's Read 20 Minutes or More Each Day!
Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge.

All Raising Reader Blog Posts

Raising Readers

Storytimes & Playtimes

Discovery Storytime

Friday Apr 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am Leslie - In Library

Engaging stories, songs, and exploratory activities to help build early literacy skills. (Ages 3-5)â...

Discovery Storytime

Friday Apr 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am Stockbridge - In Library

Join us for stories, songs, crafts and activities that build early literacy skills.

All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Jay H. Recommends

Nobody Likes a Goblin
Ben Hatke is an author I’ve come to watch for smart, funny, books that adults will get a kick out of reading with their kids. This one is no different! It’s a charming tale of a poor...
Read More

Rissa G. Recommends

The Spider and the Fly
An all-time favorite of mine since I was young. I remember staring at the densely detailed black and white illustrations. This book is perfect for Halloween. It will haunt you for the rest of your...
Read More
More Picks for Kids