Easy, everyday, early literacy support

Library programs for kids 5 and under

Dial-a-Story

Every child matters. Call our storytime hotline to listen to the true story that inspired Orange Shirt Day.

Back to School Books for Kids

Backpacks and snacks, indoor shoes and new supplies! Our children's librarians recommend books about the school experience.

Rosh Hashanah Books for Kids

Our children's librarians recommend books to celebrate and learn more about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Browse Books

Browse our best books for children under 5, and get expert staff recommendations. Encouraging a love of books is a great way to help your child get ready for reading.

Tips For Parents

Sing throughout the day and make up your own silly songs to introduce new vocabulary.

Let's Get Ready for Reading!

Easy, everyday activities that you do with your child help to build important pre-reading skills.

 Talk

Talking with your child helps build language and vocabulary skills.

Read

Reading together is the best way to help your child become a strong reader.

Sing

Singing helps your child hear the sounds in words and build their vocabulary.

Play

Play is how children learn, and how they come to understand their world.

Write

Writing helps children learn that letters and words represent sounds and have meaning.

ready for reading

Dial-a-Story

Every child matters. Call our storytime hotline to listen to the true story that inspired Orange Shirt Day.

ready for reading

First and Best

Discover our top picks of Canadian picture books to get your child ready for reading.

ready for reading

Ready for Reading Research

Learn more about early literacy research.