Why start so early?

This initiative aims to spark a love of reading in children from birth to five, setting them on a successful path to kindergarten readiness. Even before they can hold a book or recognize letters, little ones benefit immensely from the magic of stories. Reading to your child fosters crucial language development, ignites their imagination, and helps them build essential social and emotional skills.

The power of early literacy is undeniable. Research shows that young children exposed to daily reading hear an impressive 78,000 words yearly. By age five, those read to have a vocabulary enriched by over 1.4 million words regularly! This translates to a significant advantage in future language skills and sets the stage for academic readiness in kindergarten and be success bound. By fostering a love of reading early on, you're helping your child learn and create precious moments that will be treasured for years.

Join the Journey!

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with your child? Here's how you can participate:

• Get a library card for your child. It's a free passport to a world of wonder! The Piqua Public Library offers a vast selection of age-appropriate books, perfect for sparking a love of reading.

• Visit the library regularly. Explore new books together, attend story time sessions and reading programs, and create cherished memories with your little one.

• Make reading a daily ritual. Cuddle up with your child, turn the pages, and let their imagination soar!

1. Read a book right before bedtime.
2. Read during bath time. 
3. Put a book in your car and read to your little one while waiting in line.
4. You can count the books you read at school and the library.
5. Reading the same book over and over again is ok too!
6. Are you traveling or visiting a special place? If so, read a book before you go! For instance, read a book about the zoo before you visit the zoo, the trip will be even more special!