The Public Librarian's Role in Early Literacy Development

Learning to read and write is critical for success in school and throughout life. By starting early, we recognize learning to read begins long before a child enters school. 

Public librarians have long been a child's first opportunity to interact with books.  For many years librarians have been providing preschool storytimes and more recently are providing lapsits for babies, toddler times for walkers, and outreach services to child care centers and preschools. 

In addition, librarians have incorporated early literacy strategies into their library storytimes for many years.  Recently, because of training in early literacy strategies, librarians are making conscientious efforts in adding these strategies to storytime planning. 

Librarians have accepted their role in helping children "get ready to learn" before they enter school.