Beaumont Library District believes in the importance of early literacy for all preschool children. We offer a variety of programs designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers through our Early Literacy Outreach program. "Early Literacy" is the concept of teaching pre-reading skills to young children through reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing.

The major "vehicle" for community outreach is our Bookmobile, which contains thousands of materials geared towards encouraging and supporting early literacy. The Bookmobile's children's collection has been carefully selected to support early literacy development.

A variety of subject areas are included, such as the alphabet, animals, community and safety, dinosaurs, Earth, family and home, farm, food and nutrition, holidays and celebrations, music and movement, numbers and counting, pets, oceans, body and senses, shapes and patterns, sports and exercise, things in the sky, things that go, and more. These topics are covered through board books, picture books, nonfiction, and Every Child Ready to Read kits.

The Bookmobile visits preschools, Headstart programs, and daycare providers in Beaumont and Cherry Valley. Library staff members deliver fun-filled, educational storytimes that support early literacy development. With the assistance of the child care provider, children are given the opportunity to select and check out library materials to be enjoyed in the classroom or child care area.

To find out more about Beaumont Library's Early Literacy Outreach services, please contact the library at (951) 845-1357 or email kelly.vanvalkenburg@bld.lib.ca.us.

Bookmobile and Storytime services criteria::

In order to be eligible for services you must:

• Be located within Beaumont Library District's service area.
• Have legal parking for a 20-ft. vehicle.
• Be a licensed preschool, daycare, or child care facility (including in-home).
• Have at least 5 students enrolled.
• Be willing to comply with Early Literacy Outreach and Bookmobile guidelines.