We are surrounded by print. Large signs tell us where to drive, where to eat and what's on sale. We take for granted that children will learn how to navigate the printed word, but there are things we can do to help.

Children who have a large vocabulary have a great advantage when they begin to learn to read. One way to help your child increase their vocabulary is to talk to them. Begin talking to them when they're babies, even though they won't understand what you're saying. You'll still expose them to words and language, add to their experiences, and ultimately help to increase their vocabulary. Here are some other things you can do:

Children are born learning and what they learn is up to us. The first five years of their lives set the stage for all future learning. There are six basic skills your child needs to be ready to learn to read. You can help your child develop those skills. The good thing is that it will be fun for both of you! One skill is:

Popular characters such as Junie B. Jones, Barbie, Waldo, and Garfield accounted for most of the top children’s books of the year.

What other books made the Top 10 list for being the most checked out children's books in 2009?

Kids who participated in our summer reading program walked away with coupons to local businesses, free books and lasting memories. And even though summer's over and kids are back in school, the memories of the library's SummerFest reading program still live on. Find out how.