Library Programs & Reading

Children develop early pre-reading and listening skills through read-aloud story times. Their self esteem and confidence grow through a show and tell session. Fine motor coordination is developed through crafts. Library skills are introduced by selecting their own books and checking them out at the circulation desk.

Contact libraries directly for schedules and specific programs.

And scroll down to see how you can incorporate more reading at home, including book recommendations!

Chester Public Library
http://chesterct.org/library/
(Library site is within Chester town website.)
21 West Main Street
Chester, Connecticut 06412
860-526-0018

​Deep River Library
www.deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com
150 Main Street
Deep River, Connecticut 06417
860-526-6039 Fax 860-526-6040

Essex Library
www.youressexlibrary.org
33 West Avenue
Essex, Connecticut 06426
860-767-1560

Ivoryton Public Library
http://ivorytonlibrary.org/
Main Street
Ivoryton, Connecticut 06442
860-767-1252

READ! READ! READ!! There is something very easy and wonderful that you can do for your child – open up the world of reading for him or her! Reading to your child as much as possible, aiming for a minimum of 15 minutes a day, will spark his imagination, increase her literacy, improve his fluency of speech, and expand her vocabulary. Here are some tips:

  • You do not need to read every word on the page.
  • Your child does not need to be looking at the pictures or sitting near you to benefit – they may not seem as if they are paying attention, but they are probably listening.
  • Children love to hear the same story over and over and over and over and over and over again! It is helping them learn vocabulary, it is soothing, and it makes them feel like they can “read” too.
  • Sometimes children just want to look at the pictures. That’s ok.
  • Sometimes children will want to “read” the story to you. That’s wonderful!!!
  • Finally, children who see the people they love reading for fun will emulate what they see.

Book Recommendations

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Spot series by Eric Hill
Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
Olivia’s Opposites by Ian Falconer