"Growing Readers Story Time" are free programs for preschoolers that feature stories, finger plays, songs and more! These programs are designed to foster a love of reading and books in small children at an early age.

Click here for the current library calendar of events.

Want books also? Call ahead to let us know. Library staff will select available books, check them out to you and have them ready for pickup at a time that's convenient for you. Books can be requested for your preschooler, you and any other family members.

The Dare County Library’s Summer Reading Program—which is free for participants and designed to be flexible and fun for children of all ages—helps area children maintain the reading skills they developed throughout the school year, so they will be better prepared to enter the classroom once again in the fall. 

 

Each library location has at least one computer that is dedicated to our youngest users. These computers contain educational software and virtual books that are fun and instructive. Children can read and listen along as the electronic story is read to them.

2025 Early Literacy Calendars 

Parents, use these calendars to find fun, interactive ways to introduce reading literacy into your child's daily life and activities. Each month is a available as a downloadable PDF - in English and Spanish. 

ENGLISH 

January   February    March   April    May    June 

July    August    September   October   November   December 

SPANISH 

Enero   Febrero   Marzo   Abril   Mayo   Juno 

Julio   Agosto   Septiembre  Octubre  Noviembre Diciembre 

Join the Dare County Library and Dare County Library Foundation's fun literacy challenge to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten! It's easier than you think!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Log 

1,000 libros antes del jardín de infancia - registro

Every Book Counts - picture books, eBooks, audiobooks, read-alongs, and early readers all qualify.

How It Adds Up - 1 book per day = 1,095 in 3 years
                                3 books per day = 1,095 in 1 year

Get Started!  Sign up with a librarian at the front desk of any Dare County Library. Track your progress with our easy book log. Each time you complete a log, turn it in to the front desk of the library!  We will celebrate every 100 books with stickers, prizes, and fun!

FAQs:

• Do I need a library card?  No, but it's great for borrowing books!

• Who can participate?  Any child who hasn't started kindergarten.

• Can I count books that I read before registering? No, only books read after you sign-up count for this challenge.

• What if my child starts kindergarten soon? Join anyway - every book is a win, and we will celebrate each achievement! 

• How long does it take? The program is self-paced - just go at your own speed!
  
  
• Questions? Ask any library staff member!  They are happy to help.