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

Currently this collection is on hiatus. Check back in the future when we resume lending for these items!

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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Collection Highlights for Women's History Month
These new titles bring a fresh viewpoint to both historic events and contemporary life.
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June is National Audiobook Month!
These titles from RBdigital speak volumes.
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Imagine Your Story—Summer Reading 2020 
Capital Area District Libraries is on a quest to get Ingham County reading this summer—especially kids. The Summer Reading Challenge is a free reading project for all ages that runs from May 22 to August 8.
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March is Reading Month!
Each year CADL celebrates March is Reading Month by partnering with the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition, welcoming storybook characters at our branch libraries and area childhood centers.
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Beginning with Beginning Books
What makes beginners books so different? Our Youth Services Librarian is here to answer.

All Raising Reader Blog Posts

Raising Readers

Storytimes & Playtimes

CADL Tales Live Storytime (Ages up to 6)

Friday May 14, 2021 10:30am - 11:00am
All Locations
Now CADL Tales Live is on Fridays, too! See some of your favorite CADL storytime team members on our Facebook page at 10:30 on Friday mornings for live stories and songs to entertain the little ones. This is a public page; you do not need a Facebook account to view it. 
Read More

Storytime to Go at CADL Dansville (Ages 2-6)

Monday May 17, 2021 10:00am - 6:00pm Dansville Request a themed storytime kit that includes songs, activities, a simple craft and a list of titles appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers. A new theme will be released each week, with kits available any time while supplies last. To request a kit, call 517-623-6511 or include it as an "Add-on" request at MyTime. Read More
All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Annie G. Recommends

The One and Only Bob
The One and Only Ivan painted his way into our hearts in 2012. This book takes place after Ivan's story and tells us about what happened to his stray dog best friend Bob. Written from Bob's...
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Tom S. Recommends

The Big Break
Andrew and Russ are best buds who love hanging out and working on their horror film about the Jersey Devil.  But their friendship turns sour after Russ begins a relationship with artsy girl Tara...
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More Picks for Kids