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

Pop-Up Storytimes at the Michigan History Museum 

Sunday Apr 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm Downtown Lansing - Michigan History Museum: 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915

Join Ms. Cassie for a Pop-Up Storytime at the Michigan History Museum! Each month we’ll explore aâ...


Family Storytime

Monday Apr 13, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am Dansville - In Library

Join us for stories, songs, and activities that feature letters of the alphabet and early literacyâ€...


All Storytimes

Staff Picks

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...
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Three kids in current times who used to be besties but have grown apart in junior high find a radio long buried in the yard. It connects them to three kids from the same neighborhood in 1944. The...
Read More
More Picks for Kids