Free Books for D.C. Kids!

From the D.C. Public Library system: 

Even at an early age, reading to young children is the best thing you can do to put them on a path to success. Your kids pick up new words, have fun while they learn, and develop skills they will need later in school.

DC Public Library wants to make reading with your child fun and easy. That's why the Library is launching Books from Birth, a program that mails all enrolled kids in D.C. a free book each month from birth until they turn five.

Parents. You must register for this program in order to receive free books for your child.REGISTER HERE.

For more details about the Books From Birth program, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Library Books Vs. MINE

One night our sleeping son sat up in his crib and shouted, "Mine!" and then resumed a peaceful position.

I wish we knew what he was dreaming. We do know that he (like other toddlers) is challenged by the idea of ownership and sharing. He and his peers on the playground argue about whose turn it is and who owns what, including the slide and Mamma.

Perhaps regular visits to the library will help him to understand what it means to share, take turns and care for something in someone else's absence. We visit almost weekly and always leave with an armful of books. We're hopeful that our bambino is starting to understand the idea of choosing books to borrow for a period of time.

I led a workshop at the local library and returned home with new books for him. When he saw the books, he exclaimed, "Library books!" Happily, he recognized them immediately as not his. We keep these books in a special section of the shelf and he's become an expert at separating them from the books that are indeed his.

In the library, I love watching him look through the books and turn the pages. One day soon he'll be reading the words himself. Right now he points to the words and says, "ABCs!"

What are your favorite books to borrow from the library? We've enjoyed some of the Dinosaur Vs. series. Click through to watch videos and download coloring sheets. We look forward to coloring Dinosaur Vs. The Library!

Libraries & Kids

Check it out!

Most writers are fans of public libraries and I’m particularly smitten with the D.C. Public Library System.

We’ve spent a lot of time with our bambino at the various locations near us. Almost every day, one or more of the branches host something fun and educational for children. We’ve attended the Baby Laptime, although it is time to move up to the next level for walkers / one year olds. 

Our son, who is not yet in daycare, has the chance to meet other kids, learn from and play with them. We’ve practiced new songs and games and he’s started to interact with larger groups of children while hearing books read outside of the home. I've also had some lovely conversations with other caregivers.The reinforcement and skills, couched in games and laughter, is perfect.

Most of the branches have large children’s areas with a great selection of books, including board books and foreign language books, with a play area, small chairs and tables, and games, like puzzles. It is a good place to stop by even for a short time.

Read more about the D.C. Public Library’s Storytime events and the general calendar to find the right event and location for you.