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7 Ways Libraries Can Help Children Build Literacy Skills

Libraries have long been places where children discover the joy of reading —and where families find trusted resources, welcoming spaces and caring professionals who help nurture a lifelong love of reading.

At NCIL, we've been fortunate to partner with libraries across the country, from collaborating with the Chicago Public Library on its Jump Into Reading framework, to training King County Library System librarians on the Science of Reading, to co-presenting on how public libraries can support children learning to read at this year's American Library Association (ALA) Conference.

Inspired by those collaborations, here are seven ways libraries and families can work together to build literacy skills:

Create a Grab-and-Go Literacy Station
Set up a small display near your circulation desk or children's area with free literacy handouts – like this one that explains the building blocks of vocabulary success – that families can grab on their way out. Rotate topics regularly to give caregivers something new to discover each time they visit.
Make Every Checkout Count
Tuck a literacy handout into children's book bags or keep a stack at the circulation desk, such as these 10 ideas for supporting literacy at home.
Extend Storytime
Storytime doesn't have to end when the last page is turned. Send families home with our free literacy-focused comic books, a fun way for young readers to practice literacy skills.
Give Families a Literacy "Cheat Sheet"
Reading instruction comes with a lot of unfamiliar terminology. Share NCIL's Literacy Glossary, so caregivers have a quick, reliable reference whenever questions arise.
Help Families Spot Reading Challenges Early
Display this checklist of early warning signs that a child may be having trouble reading at the children's desk or include it with recommended reading lists.
Empower Families to Get the Support They Deserve
Encourage families to embrace their role as advocates and to partner with their child’s school to work toward shared goals that ensure their child's literacy needs are understood and supported.
Help Families Understand How Children Learn to Read
Families often hear words like "phonics" and "fluency" but aren't clear on why they're important to beginning reading. Point caregivers to our guide about the five big ideas of reading so they can better understand the essential skills that help children become successful readers.

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For Families

For Educators and State Education Agencies

About NCIL

The research reported here is funded by a grant to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: H283D210004). The opinions or policies expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. Copyright © 2026 National Center on Improving Literacy.

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