Early Literacy & Preschool

Early Literacy is everything that children learn about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Reading aloud and bringing books into daily life is the key to encouraging and developing a young child’s ability to read. By reading, talking, singing, playing, and writing with your child – you give them the foundation for literacy and success! Literacy development begins at birth and is closely linked to a baby’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Babies learn language through social literacy experiences – parents interacting with them using books. These experiences also serve to associate books with parental affection, attention, and approval.

Young children need a variety of skills to become successful readers. Reading experts have determined that five specific literacy skills become the building blocks for later reading and writing. Research indicates that children who enter school with more of these skills are better able to benefit from reading instruction they receive. From day one, a child’s brain begins forming connections very quickly—connections which build the foundation for all learning he or she will do later in life. In fact 90% of children’s critical brain development occurs by age 5. Children who are read to, sung to, and talked to from a young age develop bigger vocabularies, become better readers, and are more likely to succeed in school. Research indicates that when children are reached with high quality early learning experiences, they are 40% less likely to fall behind in school and 70% more likely to graduate from high school.

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Storytime
Storytime meets on Thursdays at 10 AM!
February 5 – April 30 (No meetup on April 9)
Ages 0 – 5
Stories, songs, and crafts focusing on a new theme each week. Wear your costume on October 30 for a Special Halloween Storytime!

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LOVE YOUR LIBRARY: Valentine’s Day Party
FEBRUARY IS LOVE YOUR LIBRARY MONTH – Join us in celebrating Otsego District Library during the month of February at special events!
Saturday, February 14 from 10 AM – Noon
Preschool – 5th Grade
The Otsego Library loves children and wants to host a fun event just for them. Kids of all ages are invited to drop in and enjoy a festive Valentine-themed celebration.

Throughout the event, children can create fun Valentine crafts, play cheerful holiday games, and enjoy a variety of special Valentine treats. It’s a sweet and simple way to spend time together, get creative, and celebrate  the season of friendship and love at the library.

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LOVE YOUR LIBRARY: Pizza Party and Ice Cream Social
FEBRUARY IS LOVE YOUR LIBRARY MONTH – Join us in celebrating Otsego District Library during the month of February at special events!
Saturday, February 28 from 11 AM – 1 PM
The Library wants to show their love for our patrons at this special event. Drop in anytime to have lunch on the library. There will be pizza and ice cream sundaes – YUM! This will be the perfect event to wrap up our “Love Your Library” month. The library is excited to show our love for all of our amazing patrons!

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Stevens Puppets Presents: “Beauty and the Beast”
Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 AM – Noon
Fun for the Whole Family! In this timeless tale of seeing beyond appearances and divisions, a brave and selfless heroine discovers truth where others see only shadows. Against a backdrop of luminous, hand-painted scenery and intricately carved marionettes that shimmer into being through the magic mirror, young and old alike will be swept into a world of enchantment. Nationally acclaimed, Stevens Puppets is celebrating over 80 years of producing unforgettable, humorous, and one of a kind marionette productions for children of all ages.

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Tropical Luau Party
Tuesday, April 7 from 10 AM-Noon
For Preschool – 5th Grade
Shake off the winter chill at this lively drop-in celebration filled with pirates, mermaids, and tropical fun! Enjoy exciting games, creative crafts, and special treats.

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Beach Bingo
Wednesday, April 8 at 10 AM
For 4 year Old – 5th Grades
Play a fun game of Beach Bingo and win some cool prizes!

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Moana 2 Movie
Thursday, April 9 at 10 AM
Fun for the whole Family!
Rated: PG, Run Time: 1 hr 40 min
Come join us for the exciting new Moana movie and enjoy some delicious popcorn! In this thrilling adventure, Moana is summoned by her ancestors to set sail on a daring journey across mysterious, long-lost waters. (Please Note: Pillows and blankets are not allowed in the Library.)

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Big & Little Painting Party
Saturday April 11 from 10 AM – Noon
Fun for the Whole Family!
Kids: Invite your favorite grown-up — Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, or any special adult to join us for a painting party! Create something amazing by following along with our instructor for a guided design or let your imagination take over and paint whatever makes you smile. It’s the perfect chance to relax, get creative, and make some wonderful memories side by side with your special adult. This event is completely free, but spots are limited—be sure to register and save your place!

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1000 Books Before Kindgergarten

The Otsego District Library is excited to offer 1000 Books Before Kindergarten to local preschool aged children along with ten other Allegan County Libraries! The Allegan County Library Association has partnered with the Allegan County United Way and Volunteer Center, who has given a $7000 grant to fund supplies for the children of Allegan County for five years! Sign up at the library for our easy, fun, FREE, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Any child that has not started kindergarten is eligible to participate. Anyone in Allegan County can sign up at their home library for this program. Click HERE to register your child today!