Preparing a child to read is an important job that begins at birth and continues well into the elementary school years. The library offers valuable support throughout this process in the form of programs, services and resources to help your child succeed in becoming a reader.

Programs and Services

StorytimesThe Library offers storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and beyond. These programs are great ways to prepare your child for reading. See our children's programs listings for a storytime near you.

Reading ProgramsReading programs help maintain your child's interest in books and reading. See our  list of Reading Programs.

R.E.A.D.The R.E.A.D. program provides one-on-one free help for children between the ages of 7 and 12 years needing support with basic literacy skills. Assistance is provided by volunteers.  See the READ Program page for more information.

Resources

Beginning to ReadBooks for beginning readers are available in a wide range of reading levels. See our Beginning to Read page for more information about choosing books to read with your child, including recommended titles.

Websites

Get Ready to Read
Get your child started on the path to successful reading with helpful hints, literacy checklists, online games, activity cards and weblinks to other useful early literacy information.

Get Set for Kindergarten
Get your child started on the path to successful reading with helpful hints, literacy checklists, online games, activity cards and weblinks to other useful early literacy information.

Literacy Center.net: The Early Childhood Education Network
Provides lessons to learn alphabet, shapes, numbers, colours and basic spelling in english, spanish, german and french

Ontario Early Years
Ontario Early Years Centres provides information and services on early childhood development and health for parents of children up to the age of six.

Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers
This site provides strategies, lessons, techniques and activities to help teach kids who struggle with reading. Reading Resources are available for parents, teachers and other educators to improve reading fundamentals and comprehension skills.

This IS Literacy
Find information, tips and resources to help you make literacy a part of your family's everyday activities.  This IS Literacy is an initiative of the Literacy Implementation Team of London's Child and Youth Network.

TVOParents
Find activities, enter contests, read bookreviews, complete worksheets. Find activities for children aged 2 - 5 years, and in grades 1 to 6 in subject areas of social science, english, french, health, math, science and the arts.

ABC Canada Family Literacy Day
Find family literacy weblinks, tips, activities, games, reading materials and more to support reading