Early Literacy is everything a child knows about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Literacy begins at birth. Chewing on a book, playing with shape sorters, reading a book over and over, scribbling, playing dress-up, singing songs are all part of early literacy. Parents and caregivers who understand the importance of early literacy–and who take the time every day to read, talk, and sing with their child, and provide them with opportunities to write and play–can help ensure their child begins school ready to read.

Librarians at Putnam County Public Library are trained in a national early literacy intiative, Every Child Ready to Read @ your Library, which teach parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators about these five critical practices that boost literacy skills and techniques for reading and selecting books for children.