Brown County Library offers many activities, programs, and services for babies and preschoolers to promote healthy child development, pre-reading skills, and kindergarten readiness. Parents, grandparents, early childhood teachers, and childcare providers are invited to explore these resources for their little ones, in addition to our weekly storytimes and wide variety of books.
TALK (Text and Learn for Kindergarten) is a FREE service for Brown County residents with children ages 0 – 5. TALK sends two text messages each week suggesting activities that parents and caregivers can easily incorporate into daily routines with their children. The service also notifies parents of free activities and services at the library. Parents and caregivers of children ages 5 and under can sign up by texting TALK to 75547. Alternatively, registration may be completed online at www.textandlearn.org.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten (ages 0-6)
Start anytime on this journey to share 1,000 books (or as many as possible) with your little one, with a chance to win a prize for every 50 books reported. This year-round early literacy program helps your child build a foundation for later learning to read.
Documents are 8.5″ x 11″ PDFs unless otherwise noted
Complete brochure with 50-book reading record, details and entry form. (8.5″ x 14″) English | Spanish/español | |
Why and How to Participate English | Spanish/español | |
50-Book Reading Record English | Spanish/español | |
Entry Form English | Spanish/español | |
| CCheck out this poster to find out what your child could win! |
Early Learning Activity Challenge (ages 0-6)
Choose from lists of simple and free activities you can build into your daily routines to help your child build basic skills. This unique year-round program offers a chance to win a prize for each list turned in, but the most valuable reward for you and your child is the fun time you spend together.
Documents are 8.5″ x 11″ PDFs unless otherwise noted How to Play English | Spanish/español |
Complete brochure with six activity records/entry forms, and how-to-play details. |
Activity Record/Prize Entry Set 1 English | Spanish/español |
Activity Record/Prize Entry Set 2 English | Spanish/español |
| Check out this prize poster to find out what your child could win! |
Ten Ways to Play with Your Baby
This Brown County Library-created booklet of ideas is distributed through all area hospitals as part of the Welcome Baby packets presented by the Healthy Families program of Family Services. Additional copies available through the library.
ABCmouse (ages 2-6)
Normally available by subscription only, this website of online learning fun can be accessed free on library computers and on your own mobile device when used at the library (download the app for Android or iPhone or iPad).
P.A.K.s (ages 4-6) and Booster Packs (ages 0-3)
Each of these ready-to-borrow backpacks or tote bags features carefully selected books, a toy/puppet, a DVD (P.A.K.s only), and an activity sheet, all on a popular topic. Three-week checkout.
Born Learning Trails at Central and Southwest Branch libraries
Ten outdoor stations with signs in English and Spanish encourage simple activities that parents and other adults can do with young children to boost language and literacy development. Sponsored by Brown County United Way Emerging Leaders Society, The Community Partnership for Children, the Carl and Judy Buergi family (Central Library), and The Friends of the Brown County Library (Southwest Branch).
More Resources
Reach Out and Read Wisconsin
Resources for families include tips on sharing books with babies through preschoolers, how books help children cope with stress, talking about race with children, book recommendations, and more. Reach Out and Read is a research-based program presented through trusted medical providers.
Bright by Text
Sign up to receive three to five texts per week in English or Spanish, tailored to the age of your child. Each brief tip includes a fun simple activity idea and/or links to additional information from early childhood experts. Supported by Wisconsin Public Television and other partners. Text the word BADGER to 274-448 to subscribe.
PBS Wisconsin Education & At-Home Learning
Free curriculum-aligned broadcast and online resources, in collaboration with Wisconsin DPI. For grades pre K-12.
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