By Michelle Smith Howard, President & CEO, Kids’ First Years
Alexandria, VA – A lifelong love of reading begins in the early years. Summer is the perfect time to get in the habit of reading books with your little one.
If you need help finding age-appropriate books for your child, the local libraries in Alexandria are excellent resources to introduce children to the wonderful world of books. All branches of the Alexandria Library system, a valued community partner of Kids’ First Years, are offering a SummerQuest 2025 reading program with the theme Color Our World, developed by the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP).
“Our 2025 theme encourages libraries and their patrons to embrace the beauty of art in all its forms, creating a colorful tapestry of experiences for everyone,” said Dawn Krause, CSLP Executive Director. “Our program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a diverse array of artistic expressions. Together, let’s make summer 2025 a year of colorful connections and creative discoveries to foster a love of reading and creativity in our communities.”
Reading to children has many benefits. It helps them understand how the world works and sets the stage for success in school. It helps them settle down after a busy day. It strengthens early literacy skills for school readiness and language development in the formative years from birth to age five. Best of all, reading together creates a special bond over a shared activity that is pleasurable for both the parent or caregiver and the child.
“Early exposure to books and literacy helps set a child up for success,” said Keelia McCaffrey, Youth Services Manager at Alexandria Library’s Burke Branch. “It’s never too early to start reading to children. Babies and toddlers love looking at picture books while being held and listening to the story. It’s such an important bonding experience.”
McCaffrey encourages parents and caregivers to point out and talk about what you and the child are looking at together. “This helps their developing brains make connections with words and pictures,” she said. “Also, early interaction with a physical book is important because children will take a greater interest in books when they observe the adult’s enjoyment in reading to them.”
Below is a sampling of some summer sessions in Alexandria libraries for young children ages 0-5. Parents and caregivers can find the full list of programs, along with book lists for preschool children, on the Alexandria Library website, alexlibraryva.org.
- Baby Time (Duncan Library) on Mondays at 10:15-10:45a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. for little ones up to 14 months
- Storytime in the Reading Garden (Beatley Library) on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30-11 a.m. for kids up to eight years
- Baby and Toddler Time (Barrett Library) on Tuesdays at 11-11:35 a.m. for kids up to 23 months
- Family Storytime (Burke Library) on Tuesdays at 10:15-11:15 a.m. for children up to five years
- Just Babies (Barrett Library) on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.-Noon for children up to 12 months
- Stories & Songs (Duncan Library) on Tuesdays at 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. for kids up to five years old.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask librarians for suggestions of books on topics of interest to your little ones, and they will look forward to visiting the library regularly. That’s a great way to get a young child started on the exciting and colorful path to literacy this summer.
The Basics’ Offers Fun Activities to Support Literacy
Kids’ First Years embraces The Basics, which are simple yet powerful principles to help children thrive in the early years. One of the principles is ‘Read and Discuss Stories’ and below are examples of activities tied to this principle. Learn more about The Basics at kidsfirstyears.org/basics.
- Make a cozy corner or book nook for reading with your child. Involve your child in choosing a comfy chair or a special spot and gathering pillows and books for it.
- When reading with your child, point to the pictures as you talk about them. For example, say “Where is the mouse?” followed by “There’s the mouse!”
- Let your child hold the book and turn the pages. Board books like “Pat the Bunny” have thick pages that are easier for little fingers to turn.
Alexandria Library Branch Locations
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
5005 Duke St.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen St.
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
4701 Seminary Rd.
James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library
2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Keelia McCaffrey’s Favorite Picture Books
“Stack the Cats” by Susie Ghahremani
“Fluffy McWhiskers: Cuteness Explosion” by Stephen W. Martin.
“The Box Turtle” by Vanessa Roeder
“Itty Bitty Betty Blob” by Constance Lombardo
“Bunny Made Tea” by Amanda Baehr Fuller
“The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share” by Steve Small
“Signs of Friendship” by Annie Silvestro
“I am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes” by Karol Hernández
“Sleepy Sheepy” by Lucy Ruth Cummins
“Summer is Here” by Renée Watson
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