Raise A Reader

A Celebration of Early Literacy

Read. Write. Sing. Play. Talk. And get your little ones ready to read!

Every fall, Raise A Reader provides kids with fun and easy ways to get ready to read while supporting parents and caregivers with the tools and resources for building literacy skills. With a month full of activities, including a StoryWalk®, Story Times and a free book giveaway, Raise A Reader prepares little ones for lifelong learning!

We look forward to seeing you!

2024 Raise A Reader Festival Photos

Thank you to all who made JCPL's 2024 Raise A Reader a smashing success! Explore a few moments from this year's festival. Click on any image below to enlarge.

All aboard the Raise A Reader train!

Children enjoy Story Time at Raise A Reader.

A young boy plays with colorful scarfs at Let's Dance.

Playing with the bubble machine.

Ready, Set, Read!

From daily activities you and your little one can do to staff picks that celebrate all the ways you interact with your child, these resources will help you explore the building blocks of early literacy!

Babies First Books

Parents are their child's first and most important teacher! And Babies First Books encourages families to read together! Ask a library employee at any full-service location for your free copy of "Rock-A-Bye Baby Reader" in English or Spanish.

These high-quality books contain rhymes and songs, along with tips and information for the adult reader on how these activities positively affect their baby's brain development.

Childcare providers and other professionals who work with families are welcome to request multiple copies by contacting our Kids & Families team, opens a new window.

To support this program, contact the Jefferson County Library Foundation, opens a new window.