New parent literacy education

Beyond Storytime, the library offers specialized programming tailored to different developmental stages and learning styles. The Parent and Child Together (PACT) Program strengthens the caregiver-child bond while introducing early literacy concepts; Family Stay and Play creates welcoming spaces for families to explore learning through play; Toddler Play supports the unique developmental needs of the youngest learners; and Little Lab encourages hands-on exploration and discovery that builds scientific thinking alongside literacy skills.

Librarians are helping new parents become their child’s first and best teacher​.

Through partnerships with hospitals, clinicians, new baby clinics, home health visitors and culturally specific organizations, the library sends thousands of new parents home with vital knowledge about the importance of reading with their newborn. New parents receive engaging literacy kits, available in English and Spanish. The kit includes information about their baby’s growing brain and an introduction to the library. The packet also includes a free baby book and a baby’s first library card application.

Parents are encouraged to start reading and talking to their newborn from the day that they go home from the hospital.