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

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.

Upcoming Events
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Nature

April 27th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Enjoy the spring weather with this playful outdoor program for little ones and their caregivers. We’ll explore the Eastside Branch’s beautiful Naturespace through singing, stories, movement, and simple nature‑themed activities. It’s a relaxed chance to enjoy time together, meet other caregivers, and let little ones discover the outdoors in a safe, welcoming setting.

Learn more
Music

Baby Music

April 27th: 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 early literacy. We've got it all in this engaging program for babies.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

April 27th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

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

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Science

April 28th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

This lively program for ones blends early literacy and simple science exploration. Rhyming, singing, and movement help build vocabulary and storytelling skills, while hands‑on science activities support curiosity and motor development. With stories, songs, and playful discovery, this engaging program offers a fun way for little ones and their caregivers to learn together.

Learn more
Literacy and Language Learning

Baby Connections

April 29th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

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

April 29th: 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
Storytimes

Where the Wild Things Are

April 29th: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Get outside and explore with this family‑friendly nature adventure around Critter Creek at the Eastside Branch. Each week features themed stories, songs, and hands‑on discovery stations that invite children to connect with the natural world. (See weekly themes below.)

Learn more
Storytimes

Discovering Things That Go!

April 29th: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Through songs, stories and activities, we will discover all things that go!

Learn more
Storytimes

Learn Create Play

April 30th: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

This active play program is all about mind, body, creativity, and play. Move, learn, and explore with exciting new activities each week.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

April 30th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Enjoy themed stories, songs, games, and other fun activities that change every week! 

Learn more
Storytimes

Saturday Stories

May 2nd: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Families
Drop-in

About the Program

Spend your Saturday mornings with us and enjoy different stories, songs, and activities each week.

Learn more
Storytimes

Babbling Babies

May 2nd: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

About the Program

Join guest speaker Anne Carruthers, an expert in children’s language development, for a fun and engaging session all about learning through play. Together, you and your child will enjoy stories and songs while discovering hands-on ways to support early language and learning at home. Explore helpful resources from KidsAbility and take away new ideas to make everyday play meaningful and fun.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

May 4th: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

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

Learn more
Music

Baby Music

May 4th: 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 early literacy. We've got it all in this engaging program for babies.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Nature

May 4th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Enjoy the spring weather with this playful outdoor program for little ones and their caregivers. We’ll explore the Eastside Branch’s beautiful Naturespace through singing, stories, movement, and simple nature‑themed activities. It’s a relaxed chance to enjoy time together, meet other caregivers, and let little ones discover the outdoors in a safe, welcoming setting.

Learn more
Storytimes

Ones Exploring Science

May 5th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Early Learning
Drop-in

About the Program

This lively program for ones blends early literacy and simple science exploration. Rhyming, singing, and movement help build vocabulary and storytelling skills, while hands‑on science activities support curiosity and motor development. With stories, songs, and playful discovery, this engaging program offers a fun way for little ones and their caregivers to learn together.

Learn more
Storytimes

Explore Play Learn

May 6th: 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
Literacy and Language Learning

Baby Connections

May 6th: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Waitlisted

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

Discovering Things That Go!

May 6th: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Through songs, stories and activities, we will discover all things that go!

Learn more
Storytimes

Where the Wild Things Are

May 6th: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Registration required

About the Program

Get outside and explore with this family‑friendly nature adventure around Critter Creek at the Eastside Branch. Each week features themed stories, songs, and hands‑on discovery stations that invite children to connect with the natural world. (See weekly themes below.)

Learn more
See All Events

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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Parent with toddler reading a picturebook at the library

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)

Use Now
eReading and Streaming

Cantook Libraries

Une collection de livres numérique en français!

Borrow French language eBooks for all ages with Cantook Libraries.

Use Now
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.

Use Now
eLearning & Courses

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.

Use Now
eLearning & Courses

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.

Use Now
A mother and father with their toddler son speaking with an an Early Years and Child Care Navigator.

Early Years and Child Care Navigators

The YMCA of Three Rivers’ Early Years and Child Care (EYCC) Navigators are here to help families who may be experiencing barriers to find and access child care and early learning services in Waterloo Region. EYCC Navigators hold monthly office hours at our Main Library and McCormick Branch.

Learn More

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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