Early Literacy

Explore resources that support children’s early literacy development, reading and learning. Here you can find information about free books, educational materials, and storytelling events designed to help kids build literacy skills and develop a love of reading. Families can also discover programs and activities that make reading fun and accessible for every child. If you live in the Traverse Area District Library area you may fill out an application and obtain a Patron library card free of charge.

Story Times & Play Groups

Click on the link below to view a list of libraries that host story time programs for families with preschool-aged children. Then, click on a library’s name to visit its event calendar for the most up-to-date story time dates and times. For more information, call (231) 932-8500.

Traverse Area District Library- Babies to Youth Events

The Traverse Area District Library Youth Events, like story time, are fun and engaging programs designed to help babies and children learn, play, and explore through stories, songs, and activities. These events support early literacy, creativity, and social interaction in a welcoming library environment for kids and their caregivers. Call (231) 932-8500 for more information.

Born to Read

Born to Read provides families with information about the importance of reading, talking, and singing with children everyday starting at birth. Reading tips and resources are available on this website.

Early Learning Resources for Parents

Early (or Emergent) Literacy is what a child knows about reading and writing before they actually start reading and writing. Research shows that children get ready to read in a variety of ways before they start school (even right from birth!). The Traverse Area District Library has an Early Literacy section dedicated to giving parents and caregivers the information and ideas they need to help children get ready for school, as well as encourage literacy habits that build a confident and lifelong reader.

Raising a Reader

Here you will find resources on how to ‘raise a reader’ which includes tips, resources, and routines for early learners.

Read with MI

Read with MI includes free practices and resources to help children 0-10 learn new skills and grow their literacy. This website includes tips for parents as they support this learning.

Read to Me- Resources

Read to Me is a regional collaboration of organizations working together to help your earliest learners to be READING READY. These organizations provide resources and literacy resources as well as family events and other services.

Reach Out and Read

Reading together is a powerful way to build a strong bond with your child. It also helps children grow their language skills and get ready to learn.Sharing books creates special moments between children and the caring adults in their lives. These moments help children feel loved, build their brains, and spark a lifelong love of reading. Reach Out and Read offers helpful resources for families who want to enjoy reading together.

TALK: Free Learning Activities Texted Right to You

TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten sends fun activities parents can do with their babies and preschoolers that encourages parents to read, write, sing, talk, and play with their little ones everyday. You’ll get updates for local library story times and other free, educational children’s events; and a few tips just for you.

Traverse Area Book Partners

Here you will find a list of book partners in the area providing free books and resources for emerging, intermediate, and advanced readers.

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