Early Childhood


Discover read centers

Many libraries have DiscoverREAD centers, a rich environment that engages children and caregivers in fun and meaningful learning activities that meet the developmental needs of children ages birth to five. The spaces are designed for caregivers to help children build early literacy skills and enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Our vision is families reading, talking, and playing together for a more literate Memphis.

Click here for more details and locations.

We also have a DiscoverREAD on the Go Outreach service. Would you like to schedule DiscoverRead on the Go for your organization? Or maybe a story time for your daycare center? Visit our Outreach page for more information on scheduling this event.


World book early learning

World Book Early Learning is an interactive online learning environment where the youngest explorers have fun while immersed in content and tools that will prepare them for a successful educational journey!

Includes “Early Learning Basics”, designed to teach young learners’ essential skills for preschool and kindergarten, including letters, numbers, and early math concepts.

Training Resources:


libby

(e-Books, e-Audiobooks, e-Magazines)

Our Libby service offers many ebooks for early learners including:

Visit our eCollection page for more details.


ABCmouse.com for Libraries
Accessible inside the Library only.

ABCmouse

ABC Mouse:  When you stop by the Library, you can use any public access computer to access ABCmouse. ABCmouse.com is a comprehensive early learning site for children ages 2 through 6+, covering reading and language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music. It is completely child-safe, with no advertising or links to other websites.


world book ebooks

World Book eBooks provides a robust library of titles to suit every need. From basic board books to the most famous classic novels, the easy-to-navigate shelves of eBooks hold exactly what every student needs to round out their learning. These eBooks do not require checking out and they are always available.

Training Resources:


Children's BookLetters

bookletters

(Emailed Book Suggestions)

Knowing what to read next can always be a challenge. Our Children’s librarians produce a monthly newsletter with book suggestions for children. View the most recent edition here and sign up to receive emails:


children’s reading lists

Visit our Children’s Reading List page for all sorts of award winners and recent additions. Each list includes links to our Catalog so you can check availability and place holds.


Porter-leath books from birth

Books from Birth is the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This amazing program promotes kindergarten readiness and strengthens family bonds in Shelby County by providing age-appropriate books for all children from birth to age five. Sign up to begin receiving your books in the mail.


early childhood community services

Our LINC/2-1-1 service provides community information. Review the Early Childhood services in the Tennessee 2-1-1 Database or simply dial 2-1-1.

Visit our LINC/2-1-1 page for more details.


Questions?

Visit or call the Library or submit a question online.

Early Childhood Events

NCRM Ruby Bridges Reading Festival–Connect Crew
Connect Crew
sáb., May. 04, 10:00 am
Family Fun – Zumba for Kids
Cordova Library
sáb., May. 04, 11:00 am
Hattiloo at the Libraries
North Library
sáb., May. 04, 11:00 am
Crafternoons at Cossitt
Cossitt Library
sáb., May. 04, 12:00 pm
Star Wars Day 2024!
Bartlett Library
sáb., May. 04, 3:00 pm
Pre-School Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
lun., May. 06, 10:15 am
Toddler Storytime
Randolph Library
lun., May. 06, 10:30 am
Family Storytime
East Shelby Library
lun., May. 06, 11:00 am
Crafternoon
Randolph Library
lun., May. 06, 4:00 pm
AAPI Student Art Competition Art Show Opening
Cossitt Library
lun., May. 06, 6:00 pm
Babies & Books
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
mar., May. 07, 10:15 am
Lap-Sit Storytime
Orange Mound Library
mar., May. 07, 10:30 am
Baby Storytime
Cordova Library
mar., May. 07, 11:00 am
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Orange Mound Library
mar., May. 07, 2:00 pm
Toddler Storytime
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
mié., May. 08, 10:15 am
Start Here Logo on top of the Memphis Public Libraries Logo

need a library card?

Apply online today. Learn more on our Start Here page.