Raising Readers

Overview

Early Learning Tips for Parents

Research shows one-on-one interaction between parent and child is critical for early learning. You can help your child develop important literacy and pre-reading skills. Five simple practices that help your child get ready to read are: Reading, Writing, Talking, Singing, and Playing. Attending storytime helps children develop imagination, comprehension and attention skills.  

Explore the 5 Practices

Preschool Learning Tools

Practicing preschool skills can be both educational and fun. Explore our online learning tools together.

Go to Preschool Learning Tools

StoryWalks

Not all reading happens on couches. Walk (and jump and run) and read at a CADL StoryWalk.

Learn More

Early Learning Calendar

Print a calendar with daily activities that prepare children for success in kindergarten.

Get the Calendar 

Raising Reader Backpacks

Backpacks filled with books, toys, music CDs and DVDs on a kid-friendly theme.

Browse the Backpacks

CADL Tales

Tune in for CADL Tales, a show that features CADL librarians reading stories and sharing activities.

Watch CADLtales

 

Raising Reader iPads

Check out the full list of educational apps that we provide on our in-branch iPads!

Learn More

Blog Posts

CADL youth librarians are your partner in developing your child's love of reading.

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Celebrate Literacy During March is Reading Month
Celebrate reading for fun at your local library!
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CADL Recommends: Local Authors
Discover titles by authors with deep Greater Lansing roots.
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All Together Now - Let's Read 20 Minutes or More Each Day!
Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge.
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Reader's Roundtable Episode 72: March is Reading Month (Kids)
Tom and Sherri join Mari to discuss children’s picks and March is Reading Month.
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Reader's Roundtable Episode 68: Best Kids Titles of 2022
Mari is joined at the mic by special guest Lynn Harper, Branch Head at CADL Dansville, to take a look back at the titles they're excited about.

All Raising Reader Blog Posts

Raising Readers

Storytimes & Playtimes

Toddler Storytime

Monday Feb 24, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am Foster - In Library

Stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers.  

Family Storytime

Monday Feb 24, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am South Lansing - In Library

Engaging stories, songs, and activities to help build early literacy skills.  

All Storytimes

Staff Picks

Joye J. Recommends

I Just Ate My Friend
A quirky, not so scary monster book. After reading it, I bought my own copy. It is so much fun! 
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Paisley L. Recommends

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
 Witty, whimsical and a bit waspish the narrative style is what sets this book apart from others of its genre. It is apparent the Valente takes joy language and plays with words with the ease of...
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More Picks for Kids