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

Toddler Storytime

Monday Dec 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am Foster - In Library

Stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers.  

Family Storytime

Monday Dec 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am South Lansing - In Library

Engaging stories, songs, and activities to help build early literacy skills.  

All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Tammy V. Recommends

The Hound of the Baskervilles
Have a child that refuses to read the classics?  Try a "Graphic Novel Classics" version of The Hound of the Baskervilles.   A mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson but...
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Jennie H. Recommends

Santa's First Christmas
This is another great book done by Mac Barnett.  The text and illustrations by Sydney Smith are delightful.  This story is so charming and should definitely become a regular in any young...
Read More
More Picks for Kids