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

Baby Storytime

Thursday Aug 28, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am South Lansing - In Library

Stories and movement for our youngest readers and their caregivers. Recommended for ages 0-2.  ...

Family Storytime

Thursday Aug 28, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am Downtown Lansing - In Library

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

All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Joye J. Recommends

Pumpkin Trouble
This book is simple, funny and a fantastic read aloud. After hearing it in Storytime, one of the littles told her mom “We NEED to borrow this book today!”
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Anita S. Recommends

How to Bird
Rasha Hamid's How to Bird shows young readers that birding is for everyone, highlighting the joy and wonder it can bring. Each page blends illustration and photography to reflect real-life...
Read More
More Picks for Kids