Children start developing listening skills at birth. Your baby begins to hear sounds, they are startled by loud noises and they begin to recognize familiar voices. Soon afterwards, they start to understand language and can speak and participate in conversations. You can help your child build and develop these skills.
Prevent Summer Slide
Researchers have identified summer learning loss, also known as “summer slide,” as a very real problem. In a 2009 government webcast, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called it “devastating.” To help prevent summer slide, Virginia Beach public libraries offer an annual summer reading program that provides engaging, informal learning opportunities and encourages children and teens to read a little each day and to track the time they spend reading. Learn more...
Pawsitive Reading Program
The Virginia Beach Public Libraries Pawsitive Reading program partners youngsters through 5th grade with a canine pal. The new friendship allows children to enhance their reading skills by reading aloud to a fuzzy friend. Learn more...
Navigating the Library
The Library can help your child learn more about their hobbies, achieve academic success or just have fun. No matter what they need, the library has it. Books, ebooks, movies, music, magazine and newspaper articles, language learning tools, downloadable audio books and more are available at your local library as well as online at the Library's web site. Trained staff are ready and willing to assist your child. Register today at your local library for a free library card. It's all you need. Learn more...
Online Story Time
Can’t come to the library today? Stay at home and listen to one of four great online stories through your computer. To enjoy these stories, you will need Windows Media Player Version 9 or higher. Learn more…
Read to Your Child
Research shows that early experiences with books and stories are critically linked to a children’s success in learning to read. Reading with your baby for just a few minutes is important. Be sure to cuddle and make the experience a positive one – this will lead to their future interest in learning to read on their own. Learn more…
Song and Music
Songs and music accompany many aspects of a child’s daily life. From tv jingles and theme songs to bedtime lullabies like twinkle, twinkle, little star…, nursery rhymes like this old man… and even the ring of the ice cream truck, there is a song or melody around every corner. They help lay the foundation for language development and other early literacy skills. Learn more...