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Early Learning for Ages Birth-5

Early Reader Recommended Reads

Take a look at some of our staff-picks for kids ages 0-5.

  • Ages 0-5
    • Giraffes Can't Dance
    • Bunnies on the Bus
    • Baby Goes to Market
    • Little Green Peas
    • Goodnight Moon
    • The Very Hungry Caterpillar
    • If You're Happy and You Know It
    • Hair Love
    • Splish, Splash, Ducky!
    • Freight Train
    • Animals Go Vroom!
    • Little Turtle Tries
    • Last Stop on Market Street
    • Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes
    • Llama, Llama, Red Pajama
    • Rain, rain, go away, the dinosaurs all want to play
    • Do Not Bring your Dragon to the Library
    • Global Babies
    • A Parade of Elephants
    • This Little Piggy
    • Peek-a-who?
    • A Big Mooncake for Little Star
    • Look Look!
    • Big Fish, Little Fish
    • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
    • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
    • Guess How Much I Love You
    • Bathe the Cat
    • Lola Reads to Leo
    • Thank You, Omu!
    • The Book with No Pictures

1,000 books before kindergarten 

We invite you to participate in this free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten. Register through Beanstack or sign up at the library.

How it works:

  • Register: Sign up at Reed Memorial Library or online at reedlibrary.beanstack.com.
  • Track Your Reading: Download the Beanstack app or log in on a computer and use your account to track each time you read a book with your child.
  • Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book.
  • Book Milestones: When you reach 100 books and 500 books read, stop in to the library to receive a special reward for each.
  • 1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the library, add your child to our 1,000 Book Wall of Fame, and receive a t-shirt that says “I read 1,000 Books before Kindergarten” sponsored by Allen Aircraft of Ravenna.
  • Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!

FAQ

  • Who can participate in this program? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
  • Help! I don't know which books to read! Our Youth Services staff will gladly help you pick some books. Or, get started by taking a look at our top 50 books to read with your child before they turn five.
  • Is this even possible? If you read three books a day to your child in just one year you'll have read 1,095 books! And you have several years to complete the program.
  • What if my child wants to read the same book over and over? Repetition is key to learning. Each time you read a book, it counts. If you read the same book 5 times, log it 5 times.
  • Can I log the books my child hears in story time? Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.


Let us help you find books for your little learners with Personalized Picks!

  • Register and fill out the survey to let us know your little one's reading interests.
  • We will surprise you with 3 books every month, for 3 months.
  • Wait for us to let you know that your books are ready for pick up. (This may take up to 2 weeks after you have completed your survey)
  • Pick up your custom-selected books to read.
  • Enjoy and come back next month for more!

Free books mailed to your home

The OGIL (Ohio Governor's Imagination Library) program in Portage County is a collaboration of United Way of Portage County Ohio, Reed Memorial Library, Kent Free Library and the Portage County Library District. This program, championed by Ohio's First Lady, Fran DeWine, is designed to improve the literacy rates of the youngest Ohioans. If your child is under the age of 5, enroll today!

bookworm boxes for littles

A new Bookworm Box available each month, themed and handpicked by our staff. Sign up for next month's box now. 
Storytimes
Fri, Nov 29, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The library is open late during Ravenna's Midnight Madness. Stop in for free hot cocoa, storytimes with Santa Claus, holiday photos and live reindeer on the lawn.