What is an Early Literacy Backpack?
Our Early Literacy Backpacks are predicated on the idea that parents & caregivers are their child’s first teacher. Literacy development begins long before children enter school. Reading books together at home builds essential early literacy skills; it exposes young children to the sounds and rhythms of language, the conventions of print, vocabulary development, and sends a positive message to children about the value placed on literacy. In addition, reading together sparks children’s young imaginations and positively affects brain development, memory, and cognitive skills. Lastly, reading together creates warm emotional bonds between child and parent/caregiver and lays the foundation for school readiness.
Backpacks are available for three age levels (Infant, toddler, and preschool).
We have three varieties of Backpacks (with different contents) for each age level.
What can you find in a backpack?
Each backpack contains 5 -6 books, an early literacy toy, and an early literacy tip.
Borrowing an Early Literacy Backpack:
- Available to check out from each of the Library District locations for Poughkeepsie Library cardholders. The borrower must be 18 years and older, in good standing, with no fines (lost, billed, or collections fees). Juvenile (J) or Teen Limited cards cannot be used to borrow an Early Literacy Backpack.
- Backpacks must be returned to the location from where you borrowed it.
- Backpacks returned after the due date will incur a $1 per day fine (the PPLD Fine Free Policy does not apply to Early Literacy Backpacks).
- Backpacks can be checked out for 3 weeks. They are not renewable nor able to be placed on hold.
- Backpacks must be returned with all of their items. Missing or damaged items will be subject to fines.