Early Literacy - Carmel Clay Public Library

Early Literacy and School Readiness

The library's Youth Services Department makes the development of early literacy skills and school readiness for children a top priority. Our early literacy programs are based on the “Every Child Ready to Read” principles developed by American Library Services for Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. This initiative encourages caregivers to use five basic practices with children: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together. At the library, we use the BOUNCE label to help identify books and other materials in the library's collection that help build literacy using these five activities.

Bounce labels look like this

Storytimes

Focusing on key early literacy practices, our library storytimes combine stories, fingerplays, action rhymes, music, and interactivity.

Learn more about library storytimes and see the schedule here.

Storytimes

Storytime@Home

Can't make it to storytime at the library? Create your own themed storytime at home. Watch a story video, read books (many are available digitally through Libby or Hoopla Digital), sing songs, and do an activity or two. Click to see our available Storytime@Home themes.

YouTube Stories, Songs, Rhymes, and More

Our Youth Services staff have created lots of quick, fun videos perfect for young kids. Check out our playlists here.

Programs for ages 0 to 5

Exploration Lab

The Exploration Lab room at the Main Library is designed for children ages 7 and older, but children ages 3–6 are invited to choose an Exploration Jr. kit to check out during Lab hours to enjoy with an adult (aged 16+) in the Kids Area outside of the Lab. These kits contain engaging learning materials that encourage early literacy and STEAM fun. You may check out one kit per adult, with a library card or driver’s license. Please use Exploration Jr. kits within the Kids Area only.

Exploration Kit Jr.

Due to special events, the Exploration Lab will be closed on Saturday, April 26, and Saturday, May 3.

Exploration Lab School Year Hours (August–May)

Mon–Thu 2pm–7pm

Fri 2pm–5pm

Sat 9am–1pm

The Lab is closed from May 18–June 1 as we prepare for the beginning of the Summer Reading Program.

Exploration Lab Summer Hours (June–July)

Mon–Thu 10am–6pm

Fri & Sat 9am–1pm

The Lab is closed from August 3–17 as we prepare for the beginning of the school year.

During large-scale library events, the Exploration Lab may not be open its usual hours. To confirm Lab hours before visiting, give us a call at 317.814.3992.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Read books together and earn prizes along the way.

Countdown to Kindergarten

A calendar of fun activities for the year leading up to kindergarten.

StoryWalk

Take a walk and read a book in these special outdoor installations.

Collections

Our books, audiovisual items, kits, and games enable children of all ages and their caregivers to enjoy the world of reading together. Here is a sample of the collections we provide to help with early literacy.

Board Books
Often a baby's first introduction to books and literacy, board books have sturdy covers and pages, bright pictures, and few words.

JE Picture Books
Picture books contain lots of illustrations that work together with text to tell stories. Since picture books can be designed for different audiences, look for our BOUNCE stickers on the spines of many of those meant for the youngest ages.

J Nonfiction
This collection contains informational books geared toward kids of all ages, so look for the BOUNCE labels on early literacy titles.

Readers
Designed for children who are learning to read, books in this collection are color-coded by reading level.

Grab and Go Bags
Each bag includes five picture books (four fiction and one nonfiction) on a specific topic, like trucks, butterflies, friends, superheroes, sports, and more.

Board Games & Adventure Kits
Hands-on activities for families to check out and enjoy at home.

Readalongs
These are fiction picture books with audio narration through either an attached rechargeable preloaded player or a CD. Additional titles can be found interfiled with nonfiction, biography, and beginning readers.

For more readalong fun, ask us how to access read-along ebooks in our Hoopla and Libby digital collections.

Kids collection

Beyond Board Books: Best First Picture Books

Phonics, Sight Words, Decodables, and More Lists for Early Readers

Beginning Reader Leveled Dots

More Recommended Titles

Kanopy

Videos

Bookflix

eBooks