This creative guidebook teaches librarians in diverse communities how to develop and implement early learning programming beyond traditional storytimes.

• Connects library programs to parents' desire for children to begin formal learning at an early age

• Offers a blueprint for making play a sustainable early-learning program series for budgets big and small

• Includes ideas for making early learning activities relevant to the six early literacy skills in a public library setting

• Emphasizes how library programming can support early childhood development and prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond

• Shares tips for marketing the program to parents and caregivers