Children

Read, Explore, Learn, Grow & Play at Lexington County Public Library

Lexington County Public Library has a strong tradition of serving children and families with great collections, programs and services designed to build a love of reading and discovery. We also uphold the value of supporting families, caregivers and educators. Visit any of our 10 branches to find dedicated areas for children to read and explore. Designed to support literacy and learning — our programs provide rich experiences that provide opportunities to build a love of books and community. For children, Lexington County Public Library provides:

Interactive, early literacy supporting storytimes
Literature, science, and arts-based programs
Engaging books and media for children at every reading level
Reading recommendations
Tours, orientations, and training programs for elementary students
Annual Summer Reading Programs to support summer learning

Reading Resources Digital Downloads Homework Help Early Literacy

Reading Resources

Find great fiction and nonfiction reading recommendations for all genres, including popular authors and featured read-alikes.

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees »
South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees »
NextReads Monthly Newsletter: Picture Books »
Novelist K-8 Plus »

Digital Downloads

Homework Help

Early Literacy

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write. Caregivers can create early literacy experiences by talking, singing, reading, writing and playing with their children. These five practices help children become enthusiastic readers.

5 Simple Practices to Help Children Get Ready to Read

Talking with children helps them learn oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills. The experience of self-expression also stimulates brain development, which underlies all learning.
Singing and rhyming increases children’s awareness of and sensitivity to the sounds in words. This helps children develop letter knowledge, phonological awareness and vocabulary.
Reading aloud to children and reading together, or shared reading, remains the single most effective way to help children become proficient readers.
Writing and reading go together. Writing helps children learn that letters and words stand for sounds and that print has meaning. It also helps children develop vocabulary and narrative skills.
Playing is one of the primary ways young children learn about the world. General knowledge is an important literacy skill that helps children understand books and stories once they begin to read.

For more information and ideas, visit:

Every Child Ready to Read »
Day By Day SC Family Literacy Calendar »