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Early Learning: Ages Birth-5

Early Reader Recommended Reads

Take a look at some of our staff-picks for kids ages 0-5.

  • Ages 0-5
    • Giraffes Can't Dance
    • Bunnies on the Bus
    • Baby Goes to Market
    • Little Green Peas
    • Goodnight Moon
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar
    • If You're Happy and You Know It
    • Hair Love
    • Splish, Splash, Ducky!
    • Freight Train
    • Animals Go Vroom!
    • Little Turtle Tries
    • Last Stop on Market Street
    • Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes
    • Llama, Llama, Red Pajama
    • Rain, rain, go away, the dinosaurs all want to play
    • Do Not Bring your Dragon to the Library
    • Global Babies
    • A Parade of Elephants
    • This Little Piggy
    • Peek-a-who?
    • A Big Mooncake for Little Star
    • Look Look!
    • Big Fish, Little Fish
    • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
    • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
    • Guess How Much I Love You
    • Bathe the Cat
    • Lola Reads to Leo
    • Thank You, Omu!
    • The Book with No Pictures

We invite you to participate in this free program which helps you read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. 

How it works:

  • Register by visiting the Youth Services Desk, emailing youth@reedlibrary.org or calling the Youth Services Department at 330-296-2827 x300.
  • Track each time you read a book with your child.
  • Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book.
  • Need Recommendations? Check out our Top 50 Books to read with your child before they turn 5.
  • Book Milestones: Earn a sticker for each 100 books, plus bonus prizes at certain milestones.
    • 100 Books: Tote bag - so you can check out more books
    • 500 Books: Free book - keep on reading
    • 1,000 Books: You did it! Dedicate a book plate in your favorite library book, go on our 1,000 Books Wall of Fame, and receive a t-shirt that says “I read 1,000 Books before   Kindergarten”

Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000; there’s more learning ahead!

FAQ

  • Who can participate in this program? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
  • Help! I don't know which books to read! Our staff will gladly help you pick some books. Or, get started by taking a look at our top 50 books to read with your child before they turn five. Make sure you also sign up for the Imagination Library!
  • Is this even possible? If you read three books a day to your child in just one year you'll have read 1,095 books! And you have several years to complete the program.
  • What if my child wants to read the same book over and over? Repetition is key to learning. Each time you read a book, it counts. If you read the same book 5 times, log it 5 times.
  • Can I log the books my child hears in storytime? Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.

Let us help you find books for your little learners with Personalized Picks!

  • Register and fill out the survey to let us know your little one's reading interests.
  • We will surprise you with 3 books every month, for 3 months.
  • Wait for us to let you know that your books are ready for pick up. (This may take up to 2 weeks after you have completed your survey)
  • Pick up your custom-selected books to read.
  • Enjoy and come back next month for more!
Storytimes
Mon, Mar 31, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Lapsit storytime with rhymes, bouncing songs, books and interactive activities.

Tue, Apr 01, 9:30am - 10:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Tue, Apr 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Wed, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
If you’re ready for a story with Miss Emma, clap your hands!

Thu, Apr 03, 9:00am - 7:30pm
Children's Room
A drop-in style indoor playground for crawlers and toddlers.

Fri, Apr 04, 9:00am - 5:30pm
Children's Room
A drop-in style indoor playground for crawlers and toddlers.

Sat, Apr 05, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Children's Room
A drop-in style indoor playground for crawlers and toddlers.

Mon, Apr 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Lapsit storytime with rhymes, bouncing songs, books and interactive activities.

Tue, Apr 08, 9:30am - 10:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Tue, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Wed, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
If you’re ready for a story with Miss Emma, clap your hands!

Mon, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Lapsit storytime with rhymes, bouncing songs, books and interactive activities.

Tue, Apr 15, 9:30am - 10:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Tue, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Wed, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
If you’re ready for a story with Miss Emma, clap your hands!

Mon, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Lapsit storytime with rhymes, bouncing songs, books and interactive activities.

Tue, Apr 22, 9:30am - 10:00am
Children's Room
Join us for stories, songs, movement, crafts and activities designed with your 1 ½ to 3 year old toddler in mind.

Tue, Apr 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
Bring your little ones to enjoy and explore live music.

Wed, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Room
If you’re ready for a story with Miss Emma, clap your hands!

bookworm boxes for littles



A new Bookworm Box is available each month,
themed and handpicked by our staff.
Sign up for next month's box now. 

Free books mailed to your child

Ohio Imagination Library image

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio operates in Portage County as a collaboration of United Way of Portage County Ohio, Reed Memorial Library, Kent Free Library and the Portage County Library District. This program, championed by Ohio's First Lady, Fran DeWine, is designed to improve the literacy rates of the youngest Ohioans. If your child is under the age of 5, they can receive one free book a month, mailed to your home. Don't wait, enroll today!