Early literacy is what children know about communication, language, reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school. Fairfax County Public Library is committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading for our littlest visitors. Let's learn more!

Early Literacy Team

FCPL regularly brings the joy of reading to daycare centers, preschools and Head Start programs across Fairfax County. O Early Literacy outreach team consists of five full- and part-time staff, as well as seventeen volunteers. They help children learn important skills now so they can become good readers later. In FY2025, the outreach team presented 1,513 storytimes to 27,680 children at 160 sites!

Watch: Read, Write, Talk, Sing and Play with Early Literacy Storytimes

Meet a few members of the Early Literacy team and learn about the elements that make up a successful storytime, with advice for parents, caregivers and teachers.

Resources for Early Childhood Professionals

The Early Literacy Outreach Team regularly provides trainings for teachers and daycare providers, as well as offers resources like posters and book lists. This helpful guide for early childhood professionals can be found here.

Early Literacy Book Bags

These specially curated book bags contain 10–20 books to support educators. These kits are not available at any branch; you must put them on hold. To explore the topics and titles available and to place one on hold, click here.

• Thematic Book Bags
• Level 1 Book Bags for Beginning Readers
• Movement Book Bags (with CDs)
• Music and Motion Bags

STEAM Kits

Each kit includes 5–6 books on the theme, a puppet to use with books and activities and a list of songs, fingerplays and rhymes related to the theme. The kits also include components for children and caregivers to try several STEAM activities for extended learning. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Author Study
Saturday, March 14th, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library
Join Early Literacy staff for a two-hour preschool-themed author study. Staff will share a variety of activities to extend the learning and enjoyment from books by beloved authors Oge Mora, Mo Willems and Karma Wilson. This training is intended for teachers who work with children ages 3-5. Registration required: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/15658426

Get the Latest Early Literacy News

If you would like to receive notifications about some of our spotlight events, send a message to LibEarlyLiteracy@fairfaxcounty.gov. You will receive 1-2 monthly emails.