Current research on early literacy and brain development indicates that it is never too early to prepare children for success as readers. Parents of newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers play a critical role as their children's first teachers. The library offers programs to educate parents and caregivers on ways to develop early literacy skills.
Check our events page for current Early Literacy programs.
Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library®
Ask at the Flagstaff Public Library or the East Flagstaff Community Library for more information on having library staff provide early literacy training for parents and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age.
Parent/Child Play & Learn
5-week sessions are offered three times a year for children ages 1-3 and their parents. During this special time, the library provides a setting for the child and parent to play and interact together one-on-one with toys, crafts, and books while also introducing the parent to some of the local resources available to help in the rewarding but challenging task of parenting. Weekly themes include child development and behavior, nutrition, speech and hearing, music and movement, and literacy.
Palsmobile
The Flagstaff Public Library PALSmobile is a little library on wheels. The PALSmobile makes regular visits to selected preschools, daycare and Head Start centers. It is stocked with picture books, informational books, and resources for parents and teachers. When the PALSmobile visits a center, the librarians share great stories and encourage parents, teachers and children to climb aboard and check out a book or two...or three! All that is needed is a library card. Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library is committed to enriching the literacy experience and development of children. The PALSmobile project is an exciting part of our mission!
Storytimes
Storytimes for children from infants through five years old are offered at both the Main and Branch libraries. The storytimes are designed to help cultivate language and listening skills and help develop a love of reading and learning. Storytime leaders engage participants with age appropriate stories, songs, fingerplays and other book-related activities.