Welcome
Growing a Reader
The Children’s Room’s Storytimes and Play Area have their foundation in the Five Practices of Early Literacy: READ, WRITE, TALK, SING, PLAY. Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. The Five Practices are things you do together with your children every day to set them on the path for future success.
Early Literacy News & Notes
New Rock County Early Literacy Resources
Staff Contributor: Julie Westby, Youth Services Librarian
ALA Announces 2026 Youth Media Awards
Staff Contributor: Elizabeth M., Head of Youth Services
On Monday, January 26, the American Library Association Youth Media Awards were announced!
New Sensory-Friendly Storytime!
SENSEational Storytime Begins in January
Mariah Smitala, HPL’s Youth Services Librarian, began the process of adding a sensory-friendly storytime to the Hedberg Public Library calendar in 2019.
The Basics Insights App
Basics Insights is a free text messaging program for parents and caregivers of young children that sends science-based tips to boost your child’s development. Get two text messages a week until your child turns three!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a family reading project for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Reading to your child helps develop important pre-reading skills to prepare for school. It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten to
- earn special gifts as you read.
- participate in fun activities.
- receive lots of great reading tips and book suggestions.
Stop in to get started!
Read, Talk, Play Every Day
Read, Talk, Play Every Day is a Rock County initiative powered by a collaborative partnership between the Stateline Community Foundation’s Literacy for Life and Janesville Early Literacy, focused on empowering Rock County families and caregivers to Read, Talk, Play Every Day!