Welcome to the Baltimore County Public Library.

It's Never Too Early to Start Smart!

As a child's first teachers, you as parents and/or caregivers are instrumental in promoting reading readiness in children ages birth to five. Baltimore County Public Library's programs and services for babies, toddlers and preschoolers can help you fulfill this important role.

Nurturing a love of reading beginning in early childhood is one of the library's main objectives. In addition to children's materials and programs, BCPL's Early Literacy services include:

• Programs
  Research shows that reading simple stories and playing silly word games are more than play - they provide necessary pre-reading skills. The stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and songs shared at baby and preschool storytimes are perfect examples. Parents and caregivers can repeat them again and again to the child's delight. And during the summer months, even though they can't read yet, young children can participate in a special Summer Reading Program's Birth to 5 Read-to-Me Club just for ages birth to 5.

• Baby Boosters Kits
  Baltimore County Public Library's Baby Boosters Kits, collections of books and resources available for use by parents and child care providers, are housed in easy-to-carry backpacks. Each kit contains up to 10 items for children on a particular theme, including a parent resource guide and a compact disc or DVD.

• My First Library Card
  Baltimore County Public Library's My First Library Card program provides library cards for children ages birth through kindergarten in all Baltimore County Public Library branches, and through cooperation with various preschool programs and Baltimore County Public Schools.

• Early Literacy Resources
  Book lists, developmental tips, guidelines for reading aloud to children, as well as print and online resources for parents and caregivers of young children.