Early Literacy Services
Early Child Literacy
Outreach to Childcare’s mission is to provide Early Literacy Programs for children ages 0-6 years old, located in Jackson County. We partner with local childcare sites and home daycares with four or more children, providing free on-site storytimes, book bags and library resource information for providers.
What We Offer
🚐 Storytime at your Childcare Center
We bring the library to you! Through visits to local childcare centers, we deliver interactive storytimes that build early literacy skills and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
📚 Monthly Book Bags
Each month, you’ll receive a book bag filled with a rotating collection of 40 age-appropriate books to support early literacy and spark curiosity.
You can also request additional materials to fit your needs:
- Board book boxes for babies
- Children’s music CDs
Materials are sent to your nearest library branch for easy pickup, and delivery to your site can be arranged if needed.
📅 Events, Tabling, & Pop-Ups
Invite Outreach to Childcare to your campus event to connect families and students with library resources and services.
📚 Book of the Month
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a whimsical, rhyming picture book that teaches children library etiquette through a humorous, imaginary scenario. The story follows a young child who wants to bring their pet dragon to the local library, only for the librarian to explain all the ways a giant, mythical beast would cause chaos. From crowding storytime and accidentally knocking over bookshelves with its massive tail, to the ultimate danger of breathing fire and burning the books, it becomes clear that libraries and dragons do not mix. Ultimately, the librarian offers a perfect solution: leave the dragon safely at home and use a library card to check out plenty of books to share together later, emphasizing that libraries have treasures for everyone to enjoy.
🎵 Song of the Month
We're Going On a Dragon Hunt
Go on an enchanting journey with Billy and Cowy in the “Dragon Hunt” song. Learn about prepositions while going through the forest and over the mountains! Can your little one help find out where the dragon is hiding?
📚 Storytime with JCLS
Engaging 20-30 minute storytimes which include reading, songs, and interactive activities.
Through stories, songs, and play, children from birth to preschool build early literacy, social, and motor skills that prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Storytime also gives caregivers ideas for reading and playing together at home while connecting with other families in the community.
