This month we’ll be offering practical tips to make — and keep — meaningful family goals this year. First up, encouraging your kids to read more. If you want to expand your kids’ at-home bookshelf, check out our fave local bookstores here. 

Another great way to instill an early love of learning and reading is to connect with your local library. While in-person programming for kids is still on pause, there are plenty of ways to get your storytime fix (and more) with CALS in 2021. 

Virtual Storytimes

Storytimes are a great way to encourage early literacy, discover new authors and build interest in a wide variety of topics. Bookmark the CALS Kids Facebook page or subscribe to their YouTube channel for daily read-aloud programs. 

When: Daily at 10 a.m. Where: CALS Kids Facebook page | CALS Kids YouTube Channel 

Monday: Kids in the Kitchen | Tuesday: Babies and Toddlers | Wednesday: Preschoolers | Thursday: Read Aloud Storytime | Every other Friday: Guest Reader Storytime | Every other Saturday: Family Storytime

Grab-and-Go Crafts

When you pick up books at your local branch, make sure to see if they have a grab-and-go craft available. Crafts are a creative screen-free way to help your child develop fine motor skills, extend learning from their latest read or create interest in a new topic. This month, you can pick up a cute snowman craft from the Fletcher library and don’t miss the Children’s Library weekly STEAM Craft & Go. 

STEAM Craft & Go 

When: Every Friday Where: Children’s Library | 4800 W 10th St., Little Rock

After-School Activities

Visit the CALS Kids YouTube page for a collection of after-school activities. From recipes to puppet shows, your family will find something fun to enjoy after finishing that last assignment for the day. 

When: Anytime! Where: CALS Kids YouTube Channel 

Outdoor Fun

Visit the Children’s Library each month for a new Nature Quest. Visit the front desk to get your first clue and bring back the code word for a prize. 

When: Monthly Where: Children’s Library | 4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock More info: event page