Everyone benefits from reading and keeping their minds active, and that includes our youngest patrons. Starting at birth, reading aloud is important for bonding, building word banks and learning about concepts and the world in a fun way. And it’s not just “reading” that helps build those little brains. Anytime you talk, write, sing, play, and laugh with your baby or toddler, you help them develop the skills necessary for speaking, reading and writing on their own.
This summer, it's easy to raise a reader:
Sign Up for Summer Reading: It's easier than ever. Register the whole family at the Library, jeffcolibrary.org or 303.235.5275.
Track Your Activities: Find your motivation and easily keep track of your "reading" activities online or with our printed tracker. Discover, sing, play and explore with your child this summer.
Win Prizes: Sometimes we all need a little incentive to hit the books. When you register your child, receive a fun toy to "rock" all summer long. Then, when you complete 16 activities, pick up a book to enjoy together. After 32 activities, enter for a chance to win a photo portrait package from Manzanita by Rebecca Caridad, including prints, valued at $500.
Attend Special Events for Little Ones: Attend one of our special Summer Reading events such as Anne Lincoln's Boogie Woogie Bunnies, Let's Dance, or Wild Senses. Connect with other families and check off some of those circles on your activity tracker!
Build Reading Habits with Story Times: Most locations offer Story Times for babies, preschoolers and families on weekdays and Saturday throughout the year. Story Times encourage important pre-reading skills through singing, rhyming, dancing, storytelling, crafts and play. It's great for parents, too! Develop important skills and techniques to support reading with your little one at home!
Stories to Go: Check out one of these special take-home kits developed especially for growing minds. The cute, bright bags contain six picture books (five fiction, one non-fiction) and helpful activities to enhance the storytelling.
Staff Recommended Reads: Our librarians are always happy to help you discover the perfect titles to read with your child. Ask a librarian for assistance or browse one of our specially-curated lists, like "Top Hogs and Pigs Aplenty", "Books that Will Make You Sing and Dance", "Celebrate Summer", and "Bugs!" -- all perfect for summertime fun!
Keep It Up: While you're registering for Summer Reading, don't forget to sign up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. Keep the reading momentum going all year long!
Together, we can give those little brains a boost! Register to Rock the Books today!
Special thanks to our sponsors and partners for their support of Summer Reading!
