Library Programs

• For children ages 11 and younger, a parent or caregiver must remain in the library during the child’s visit.
• School age programs are for children ages 6-12. Children participate in the program on their own unless otherwise indicated.
• Children are not supervised by library staff outside of the program space (e.g. washroom breaks or early exit from the program).
• In the absence of a parent or caregiver, library staff does not assume responsibility for a child.
• Children of all abilities are welcome to attend library programs. If a child requires the support of a parent or caregiver to participate in a program, please speak with staff.

• Pour les enfants âgés de 11 ans ou moins, un parent ou un fournisseur de soins doit rester dans la bibliothèque pendant toute la durée du programme.
• Les programmes à l’intention des enfants d’âge scolaire visent les enfants de six à douze ans. Les enfants y participent seuls à moins d’indication contraire.
• Les enfants ne sont pas supervisés par le personnel de bibliothèque à l’extérieur de l’espace où se donne le programme (p. ex. s’iels se rendent aux toilettes ou qu’iels quittent le programme tôt).
• Si aucun parent ou fournisseur de soins n’est présent, le personnel de bibliothèque n’est pas responsable de l’enfant.
• On invite tous les enfants à participer aux programmes de bibliothèque. Si un enfant a besoin d’appui d’un parent ou d’un fournisseur de soins pour participer à un programme, veuillez vous adresser au personnel.

Winnipeg Public Library Early Literacy Programs are designed by library staff to support the development of early literacy skills.

Early Literacy Programs are offered in 8-week sessions in the Fall, Winter and Spring. They are also offered during the summer as one-off programs.  Registration is required for all Early Literacy Programs. Registration can be done over the phone, online, or in-person at any branch. Library branches may rotate the programs they offer.

For more information on early literacy check out the Winnipeg Public Library's Early Literacy Info Guide. 

Great for English language-learners! (EAL)
Early Literacy Programs at the Library can be a good introduction to English for families who are new to Canada. Children and their parents/caregivers are welcome at Library programs no matter what level of English they may speak or understand.

 For children up to 18 months with a caregiver.

Why Baby Rhyme Time? We know that children from birth to age 2 experience a high rate of brain development. This phase of rapid growth makes early childhood the ideal time to introduce early literacy supports.

We provide this support through Baby Rhyme Time a parent-child program that features a playful approach to language development by sharing rhymes, songs, stories and early literacy messaging designed to help families create a literacy-rich home environment. 

​For children 19-36 months with a caregiver.

Why Toddler Time? We know that children at this age are in a peak phase of learning language that is best supported by hearing many words (spoken, sung and read). 

We provide this support through Toddler Time, a parent-child program focused on enriched vocabulary and comprehension in age-appropriate stories, songs and rhymes. Early literacy messaging is shared with parents and caregivers to help families create a literacy-rich home environment.   

For children up to 5 years with a caregiver.

Why Family Story Time?  We know that children learn best when they are having fun with the most important people in their lives.

We support this learning through Family Story Time which features creative presentations of stories through a variety of formats and techniques to provide a fun atmosphere that supports intergenerational learning.