Soon the Van Etten library will offer resources (in addition to books!) to help our youngest patrons get ready to read. The skills needed to begin learning to read are required long before children start school, so it’s never too early to introduce children to simple, yet engaging activities that promote reading readiness. What better place to go than your local library?
While visiting the Van Etten Library the little ones can stop at the Early Literacy Center, a special place for our youngest patrons to use material and enjoy fun activities. The goal for implementing the Early Literacy Center is already set into motion with completion expected by the end of this June 2016. Here you will find activities, toys, and books that engage children of all ages; from newborns to toddlers and pre-schoolers to school aged children.
Some of the material for the ELC is made possible from generous donations given to the Van Etten Library by our patrons. A few of the exciting and engaging items that will be purchased include an art easel, alphabet magnets, image-word matching games, chunky puzzles, and LEGO sets.
The concept of the center will be parent friendly as well. All of the centers activities will be available on an in house check–out basis. This means that the kids will need to get permission from the parents to use the center, and then check out the specific items that they choose to use. This way, if parents are just running into the library quickly, they can do so without the “challenge” of trying to get their kids out when they would rather stay and play & learn.
So, stop by the Van Etten Library and check out our new resources that will aid in promoting reading skills for our youngest patrons by providing hands on activities to explore, create and imagine!!
Michelle Erickson
Van Etten Library