Early Learning (Ages 0-5)

Research has shown that engaging your child frequently in the five early literacy practices above from birth will help her or him develop the skills they need to be ready to read in kindergarten. Fortunately, these skills are easy!

Talking

Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn language. Talk with your child from birth in your native language. 

Singing

Songs are a natural way for developing children to to learn about language. Songs break words into smaller parts that are easier to learn and understand.

Reading

Reading together teaches children to associate books and reading with pleasure and comfort as well as developing their knowledge about books.

Writing

Helping develop your young child's motor skills through finger-plays, scribbling, and such gets him or her ready to write.

Playing

Playing helps children learn to think symbolically, that your hand can represent horses or kittens or a banana or anything else. Symbolic thinking is an important skill for learning the symbols (words) that make up language.

Early Literacy Finger-play Videos

Early Learning Services at Your Library

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Friends of Lake County Library sponsor the Imagination Library in Lake County. This free book-gifting program mails one book per month to kids
age 0-5 registered for the program. Click here and enter your address to register.
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Preschool Storytimes
Fun, engaging storytimes for preschoolers of all ages are presented regularly by library staff and volunteers. Check out our Programs page for information about a storytime near you.

​Baby Bags
We welcome your baby to the community with a bag with a board book, information about early learning, and a coupon for a second book at the library. You should receive a bag from the Lakeview hospital when you depart after delivery or from Public Health as part of your Well Baby visits.

Early Learning Baby Showers
During the first year of your baby's life, we'd love to shower the little one with books and gifts from your community. Showers are generally held in May and June. Look for publicity in the paper or an invitation to magically arrive at your door.

Books, Music, and More
Our collection has a wealth of books, preschool music CD's, and educational DVDs you can check out with your library card.