Babies Can’t Read! (But This Is Why Storytime Still Helps Them – and You!)

Babies and young children can’t read, but they are still developing the early literacy skills that will make learning to read much easier when they are older. That’s what drives the “Build A Reader” program at the Tulsa City-County Library, which includes weekly storytimes, parent-child play workshops, and even an app with videos, book suggestions and learning tips.

Here are three ways our Build A Reader storytimes are especially AWESOME for you and your baby:

1. Babies’ brains need both fun AND learning to thrive!

Observe any storytime and you’ll see how much fun everyone is having. But don’t be fooled – there is a lot of educational thought and planning behind the bouncy songs, captivating stories and funny fingerplays. Not only are children getting practice in hearing and using language, parents and caregivers (like yourself!) are learning how to incorporate literacy routines in their everyday lives.

2. It’s a safe place to play, grow and meet other people.

Having a baby can be isolating for new parents who do not have close-by family or friends. Storytimes at the library are an excellent place for you to meet other adults – and for your baby to see and play with other babies! Social interaction in a safe, climate-controlled space is beneficial for everyone.

3. There’s at least one storytime scheduled at every location every week.

With the exception of the months of May and August, when we are first preparing for and then cleaning up after the Summer Reading Program, you will find at least one Build A Reader storytime scheduled every week at all 24 library locations. Pick up a monthly event guide at any library to find out days and times, or go to tulsalibrary.org.

Try storytime at home with FREE books for children ages 0-5

by Rebecca Harrison, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Community Engagement Manager, TCCL

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Tulsa County children can receive a free, high-quality book every month until their fifth birthday. Checking the mail becomes a special occasion because the books are sent directly to your home! Books are chosen by literacy experts to match your child’s developmental stage, so your little one’s growing bookshelf keeps pace with their growing mind. The Imagination Library is an easy way to build early literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Even more exciting: Families enrolling in the Imagination Library can now choose to receive all of their books as bilingual English/Spanish titles. This new option helps us better serve Spanish-speaking families and ensures that more Tulsa County children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Families already enrolled can switch to the fully bilingual option at any time.

Registering to receive your monthly book is simple and takes just a few minutes. Visit tulsalibrary.org/imagination-library to get started, or stop by any Tulsa City-County Library location.

Have questions? Email us at ImaginationLibrary@tulsalibrary.org. We’re happy to help!