How to Use Library Resources to Build Early Literacy

Markham Public Library is here to support your child in building early literacy skills. Developing early literacy skills can be exciting and easy - simply by taking the time to talk, sing, read, write and play with your child every day. Our goal at the library is to provide enriching learning opportunities for your family whether it be through our library collections, programs or resources. Here are a few ways the library can support your family: 

1. At MPL, we offer a few early literacy programs: 

• Baby and Books - This program is an 8 week program for infants between 0-12 months. During the program, participants will experience early literacy fun that focuses on sharing stories, rhymes, lap play, and songs with your baby.
• Storytime - The goal of our storytimes is to introduce your child to the wonderful world of books and reading.  We will introduce you to a variety of children’s books as well as activities you can use at home to develop your child’s language and pre-reading skills. 
• Phonics Club for Kindergarten and Grade 1 - This program happens occasionally in partnership with York University students. Our goal is to support children in learning the foundational skills to become strong readers. In this program, we will provide opportunities for children to practice identifying alphabet letters/sounds, blending of sounds (consonant, vowel, consonant) as well as reading simple sentences. 

2) MPL has a wonderful library collection to support early literacy including our: 

Print Collection:

• Board books are suitable for for babies and toddlers (durable, introduces vocabulary, often consists of high-contrast images)
• Early readers that support decoding and confidence
• Multilingual books to support bilingual families
• Picture books that build vocabulary, narrative skills, and print awareness

E-resources: 

• Book Flix -  This digital resource provides pairings of animated storybooks with related non-fiction e-book titles targeting children from pre-school to Grade 3. Early readers can engage in interactive activities that help them strengthen vocabulary and comprehension skills, as well as develop real-world knowledge.
• Early Learning - An online resource for preschoolers and children in early elementary grades. Offers narrated stories, interactive games, and original videos that teach early childhood themes. This e-resource also provides leveled readers to develop and strengthen phonics, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and comprehension skills.

3) At MPL, we offer a toy library and it has been very popular as there is a wide assortment of toys. These educational toys are suitable for children as they support areas such as: Science & Math, language development, reading & literacy, dramatic play, sensory play and much more. These items can be borrowed with just your library card! To learn more please visit: 

We truly look forward to having your family join us at Markham Public Library! If you have additional questions, please  connect with our friendly staff and they would be more than happy to assist you.