As mentioned in an earlier Children's Fiction Examiner article, the National Education Association recommends reading to children early and often.  According to an article by Renea Arnold and Nell Colburn written for School Library Journal, because language development starts a birth, and reading is part of language development, "Reading aloud, talking, singing, and playing are activities that help children develop language. Nursery rhymes, poetry, and songs help them learn about oral language. Rhyming books and songs encourage children to explore how sound works in language."  In simpler language, what does all this mean?  "...to raise a reader, take time each day to sing, talk, and share a book with your baby!"

Public libraries provide a way for children of all ages and parents to share books together in group settings.  Not only is language development being encouraged, but children often make friends and parents find other adults to share parenting trials and joys with.  Here are some events happening at northern California libraries that are especially for infants and toddlers.  Most of these libraries also have events for older children as well, so just click on the link to find additional services.

Sonoma County Library has several branch libraries that offer various programs.  Make sure to check your specific branch for days and times of the following activities.  Baby Time is for infants 0 - 18 months of age.  Babies and caregivers learn songs, hand games, rhymes, and share books.  Toddler Storytime is for children aged 0 - 3 years of age; parents/caregivers and toddlers share fingerplays, songs, and stories.  Preschool Storytime is for children ages 2 - 5 years.  Songs and books are shared in a fun atmosphere.

Solano County Library invites babies 0 - 18 months along with their caregivers to join the Happy Baby Club.  The club meets weekly to share songs, stories, and fun.  Toddler Time is where children ages 18 months - 3 years of age can be silly while sharing songs, rhythm, and books.   Caregivers and children 0 - 6 years of age are invited to attend Once Upon a Time.  It's a time for children to share a toy, listen to a story, and participate in a craft.

Siskiyou County Free Library is experiencing severe budget cuts.  However the following programs are still in place at this time.  Yreka Storytime every Wednesday at 11 A.M. includes songs, stories, and crafts.  Scott Valley Toddler Time at the Etna Library every Wednesday at 10:30 A.M.  Dunsmuir Storytime every Wednesday at 2:30 P.M. including snacks and a story.  McCloud Storytime weekly on Thursdays at 10:30 A.M.

Shasta County Public Library has programs at their three branches for children of all ages.  Baby Bookworm, Preschool Page Turners, and Toddler Tales all take place weekly at the Redding branch.  The Anderson branch provides an afternoon Storytime once a week and the Burney Branch offers a Bilingual Preschool Storytime twice a month.

Santa Cruz Public Library provides the following programs.  Mother Goose Time for babies through 2 years old has songs, fingerplay, and movement.  Preschool Storytime includes, stories, songs, and crafts for children 3 years through 6 years.  The Laptime Toddler Program includes short stories, feltboards, songs, and puppets for children 13 - 36 months.

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