Early Learning

Unlock the potential of young readers! Early learning programs are based on early literacy research and include tips and information for parents and caregivers. We offer a wide range of activities specially created for babies, toddlers and kindergarten readiness.

A mother holds her baby on her lap while they read a "touch and feel" book

Upcoming Events
Storytimes

Discovering Hot & Cold

December 15th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Inside, outside, candles, snow - it’s time to explore the wonders of hot and cold together! Caregivers and children will play, learn, and discover side by side through hands-on activities and stories that spark curiosity and fun.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Music

December 15th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Rhyming, singing and movement are all building blocks for vocabulary and storytelling. We've got it all in this engaging program for ones.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

December 15th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

December 16th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Music

Babies: Music and Motion

December 17th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

About the Program

Support your baby’s fine motor and cognitive development through fun, hands-on play and activities. It’s also a great chance for parents and caregivers to relax, connect, and socialize with others.

Learn more
Storytimes

Merry Music Babies

December 18th: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

About the Program

Sing along to cheerful holiday songs and winter-themed nursery rhymes as you and your baby play together with baby-friendly instruments! This interactive program invites caregivers to join in the fun - clap, sing, and make music right alongside your little one for an extra merry experience.

Learn more
Storytimes

Pajama Storytime

December 18th: 06:30 PM - 07:15 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Families
Registration required

About the Program

Get comfy and cozy for an evening of stories, songs, and snuggly fun - all in your pajamas! Little ones (and their grownups) can wind down the day with gentle stories, cheerful rhymes, and playful activities before bedtime. Stuffies and slippers are welcome too.

Learn more
Music

Babies: Music and Motion

December 20th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

About the Program

Support your baby’s fine motor and cognitive development through fun, hands-on play and activities. It’s also a great chance for parents and caregivers to relax, connect, and socialize with others.

Learn more
Storytimes

Discovering Hot & Cold

December 22nd: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Inside, outside, candles, snow - it’s time to explore the wonders of hot and cold together! Caregivers and children will play, learn, and discover side by side through hands-on activities and stories that spark curiosity and fun.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Music

December 22nd: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Rhyming, singing and movement are all building blocks for vocabulary and storytelling. We've got it all in this engaging program for ones.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

December 23rd: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

December 29th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Music

December 29th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Rhyming, singing and movement are all building blocks for vocabulary and storytelling. We've got it all in this engaging program for ones.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

December 30th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Special Events

Noon Year's Eve

December 31st: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Kids
Registration required

About the Program

Celebrate the New Year a little early at our Noon Year’s Eve Party! Kids and their grownups can enjoy festive games, lively songs, and fun activities as we count down to noon and welcome a fresh start to the year.

Learn more
Music

Babies: Music and Motion

January 3rd: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

About the Program

Support your baby’s fine motor and cognitive development through fun, hands-on play and activities. It’s also a great chance for parents and caregivers to relax, connect, and socialize with others.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Music

January 5th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Rhyming, singing and movement are all building blocks for vocabulary and storytelling. We've got it all in this engaging program for ones.

Learn more
Literacy and Language Learning

Baby Connections

January 5th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Baby Connections is a program unique to Waterloo Region that helps families develop literacy and language skills with their little ones. Participants will receive a kit of resources designed to encourage continued learning and fun at home. 

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

January 6th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

January 7th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

Get ready for stories, songs and lots of fun activities.

Learn more
See All Events
Parent with toddler reading a picturebook at the library

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Join this fun and interactive reading program to support your baby, toddler, or preschooler’s cognitive development, strengthen your bond with them, and help them acquire the language and foundational skills essential to a lifelong love of reading.

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Online Resources for Kids

A world of entertainment and learning tailored just for kids, featuring a great selection of eBooks, movies, TV shows, language learning tools, educational resources and reading recommendations.
Business and Careers

Brainfuse HelpNow

Explore resources for students from kindergarten to grade 12, featuring live tutors, French and Spanish language support, an online writing lab, and the LEAP learning platform. Plus, the Adult Learning Centre offers High School Equivalency preparation, Canadian Citizenship Exam support, Microsoft Office training, career resources, and more.

Mobile App (iOS)
Mobile App (Android)

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eReading and Streaming

Cantook Libraries

Une collection de livres numérique en français!

Borrow French language eBooks for all ages with Cantook Libraries.

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eReading and Streaming

CBC Corner Kids

Enjoy content for children and youth of all ages including tv shows, free online games, fun quizzes and activities, as well as news articles made by kids for kids.

Use Now
eReading and Streaming

downloadLibrary Kids eReading Room

Young readers can access a collection of children’s eBooks and eAudiobooks, including engaging read-along books for an immersive literary experience.

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eLearning

Fiero Code

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to advance your coding skills, Fiero Code will make your learning journey unique to you.

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eLearning

Gale In Context Elementary

Gale In Context Elementary offers content across geography, health, history, art and science, providing an educational playground where kids can explore, learn, and fuel their curiosity.

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Explore Play Learn

Explore Play Learn is our approach to the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read™ program. Engaging in reading, writing, singing, talking and playing activities together will help build your child’s literacy skills for life. We have a fantastic collection of books and resources at each location and library staff are happy to help get you started reading, writing, singing, talking and playing with your little one.

A young toddler sits on her father's lap reading a picturebook

Read

Reading together helps children prepare for independent reading. Start short and gradually increase. Let library staff assist in book selection, and encourage your child to choose their own. Lead by example and enjoy reading for pleasure yourself!
A toddler colours with crayons

Write

Reading and writing go together. Encourage your child to put ideas on paper, like what they did during the day, a list of their favourite books and a grocery list. Scribbling is the first step to writing, and it may become artwork too.
A one year old plays with a child xylophone

Sing

Songs are a terrific way to expand your child’s vocabulary, to play with rhyme and rhythm and a wonderful way to hear the different sounds in various languages. Sing with your children, anytime and anywhere.
A young couple holds there baby and smile

Talk

Begin talking to your baby from birth, describing your day and activities. Language exposure is vital for their development, so keep talking! Speak to your children in your preferred language to support their vocabulary and conversation skills.
A mother and her toddler son play with stacking blocks

Play

Each WPL location has toys and other manipulatives for families to play with. Play promotes language development, self-expression and fun! Our goal is to encourage families to play and learn together.
A mom and her young son look at a phone

Video Playlist

Discover a selection of videos that demonstrate how, with just 15 minutes every day, you can incorporate early literacy practices into your everyday life.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Let us help you and your child prepare for kindergarten. We’re here to support you with books, resources, programs and so much more as your child starts their journey through school.

  • Early Learning programs backed by research and full of tips for parents and caregivers
  • Transition to Kindergarten sessions in the months leading up to school designed to develop essential skills for school success
  • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten programs fosters a lifelong love of reading and literacy
Kindergarten students sit and listen to a story from their teacher
Two young boys play with magnet stacking toys in the Children's Department at the Main Library.

Children’s Areas

Each of our library locations has a special area just for kids! Filled with books, kits and audiobooks for babies through to tweens plus a variety of toys for learning and fun.

Cool Things to Borrow

Who said the library was just about books? From ice skates and board games to puzzles and park passes, there is so much more you can borrow with your library card.

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