Early Childhood Literacy

Forever Books is an emerging initiative at IRW to support children and their families in early childhood as they build literacy skills and prepare for school.

Explore our resources below, or check our events for upcoming IRW programs.

 

NEW! The Maine Storytime Finder

The Maine Storytime finder is an online tool that connects Maine families to free library programs for children of all ages. Its mission is to encourage a positive culture of reading throughout Maine and to support families by connecting them to library programming across the state. 

Explore

 

Reading Together

Our handy guide for storytime at home.

Reading with a child is a special experience. It’s a time to learn, laugh, and discover stories together. Storytime at home is also the best way to set your child up for early reading success. 

Check out IRW’s guide filled with tips & tricks and have your best-ever storytime at home.

Read On

Storytime Guides

A Polar Bear in the Snow Hello Hello Not a Box Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Early Childhood Literacy Resources

Booklists Booklists Read More
Forever Books: Growing a Love of Reading from the Very Beginning Forever Books: Growing a Love of Reading from the Very Beginning Read More
Books for Babies: Our IRW Family Has Grown by Two! Books for Babies: Our IRW Family Has Grown by Two! Read More
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Research Process

In 2025, IRW began convening focus groups that included librarians, childcare providers, preschool teachers, parents and other likemissioned partners to discuss what life looks like for young families in Hancock County, ME, and what resources are available to them. The goal of this research is to build programs that offer support for families and improve literacy outcomes.

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Bookplate designed by Chris Van Dusen

Forever Books is supported by The Nancy Fund, established through Nancy B. Putnam’s Legacy gift. Books given through the Forever Books program carry a special bookplate.