Healthy development in early childhood sets the course for a child’s future, leads to kindergarten readiness, and prepares children for lifelong learning success.
Find all the tools you need to support your child's learning journey at the Library. Enjoy Early Learning Centres at 12 locations, free early literacy programs, and our extensive collection of books, movies and resources for each stage of a child’s early development.
At 12 libraries across the city, there are 13 Early Learning Centres that offer opportunities for kids ages zero to five to learn, play, and take part in activities and games. Each Early Learning Centre, built around a distinct concept, is designed to be flexible, open-ended, and fun.
Settle down, baby, it's time for bed! Learn songs and rhymes for bedtime routines and getting ready to sleep.
Babies eat and poop ... a lot! Learn to make meals and diaper changes a fun bonding time for you and your child.
Let's go, baby – there's so much to see and do! Help your child learn during activities outside the home.
Hurry, baby, it's time to go! Learn songs and rhymes about getting dressed, packing up, and getting out the door.
Oops! Are you okay, baby? Tantrums and tumbles are part of every child's life. Learn songs and rhymes to help soothe big emotions.
Sensory play lays an important foundation for your child's learning. These activities from our librarians and staff, which can all be done with materials found around your house, encourage brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning.
Here's a mix of calm, quiet activities and games that will help your child burn off energy, all while engaging with the alphabet.
Get your toddler moving and exploring with these sensory play activities.
These sensory activities can all be done with household items. Plus, who doesn't love getting a little messy?
Three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing.
We want to help fill your child’s home bookshelf and encourage your whole family’s love of literacy. With My First Bookshelf, in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children from birth to age five receive a free, personalized book every month that they get to keep.
Bounce out some energy with your baby. These videos share songs and rhymes from our popular Baby Rhyme Time program that you can enjoy with your little one at home. Follow along with us any time, anywhere.
Whether your child is starting daycare/preschool or just enjoys a good story, these books will encourage a smile.
Warm summer weather is great for camping, vacations, picnics, cold refreshments and time at the beach.
Some heroes wear a cape, while others look like the friend next door. Explore what it means to be a hero with your little ones.
Follow the characters in these stories as they explore the natural world and find fun and friendship in all kinds of weather.
