Begin With Books refers to important early literacy initiatives at the Arapahoe Library District. We are devoted to providing wonderful, quality opportunities for our youngest patrons both in and outside of the library. Besides Literacy Based Storytimes at the library, Begin with Books efforts include Storytime staff training, parent workshops, children's programs, and community outreach services.
For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Lori Romero, Begin with Books Coordinator, lromero@ald.lib.co.us or 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
Begin with Books Literacy Based Storytimes
Each week there are more than 40 opportunities for you and your young children to attend popular Literacy Based Storytimes throughout the Arapahoe Library District! Storytimes are carefully crafted for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or the entire family. Trained staff members share their love of reading with children through motivating story books, songs, fingerplays and rhymes. In addition, Storytimes have been enhanced to highlight one of the six, key pre-reading skills each month. These skills are the stepping stones that lead to later reading success.
Begin with Books: Home Daycare Storytime Visits
Trained volunteers visit daycare homes each month sharing books, puppets, rhymes, songs and games with young children and caregivers--the next best thing to coming to the library!
Begin With Books: Arapahoe County Detention Center
New children's books are provided for jail inmates to send home with a personal note to each of their children. They may also choose to read aloud via a DVD recording which is delivered home along with the story book. Trained staff also discuss the importance of early reading, conversation and literacy development with these parents through jail workshops.
Begin with Books: Early Childhood Education Partnerships
We are happy to partner with Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council's Reading Readiness Project. ACECC experts visit over twenty daycare sites, sharing techniques, books and materials for creating a literacy-rich environment at each center.
Begin with Books: Bookmobile Storytimes
Family Storytimes are now provided at two bookmobile stops! Churchill Downs/Fox Crossing Apartments and Foxridge Farms host 2:30 p.m. Storytimes on stop dates. The programs are geared to 3-5 year old children, but all ages are welcome. Reservations are not necessary.