As a parent or caregiver of a young child, you are probably very familiar with the phrase, “Will you read to me?” Little kids love to snuggle up and be read to. Hearing stories read aloud and interacting with the storyteller, is one of the best ways to develop early literacy skills.

Inspired by a passion to make reading fun and enjoyable, the Santa Cruz Public Libraries have created a new kit based reading program named, Read to Me. Each kit comes in its own color-coded bag and consists of an exciting and unique range of children’s storybooks. There are three types of Read to Me kits available to anyone with a library card—for free!

The original Read to Me kits come in blue bags and are theme based. Each one contains about 10 books, music on CD or cassette, and a felt story or puppet. These kits are split into age appropriate categories and the themes are tailored according to developmental milestones.

Tender Topics kits can be found in maroon bags and contain books on sensitive topics such as death, adoption, moving, divorce or new baby in the family. You wouldn’t want to use these as the basis for a story time, but when the issue arises in your family or daycare, these kits certainly fill the need.

Finally, the library has Read to Me Resource kits for parents and caregivers. These kits are in green bags and contain adult materials about many aspects of early childhood development.

Read to Me kits provide the tools and resources for parents to enrich the shared reading experience while bringing together the key elements of fun, learning and togetherness to create lasting memories for young children.

All kits are searchable on the library catalog. Just enter the term "read to me kit" and add a subject such as animals or food. You can request kits to be sent to your library branch just as you would any library material. Or you can visit the Young Peoples Room at the Central Branch and browse the kits they have near the reference desk.

As your children exit the toddler years, it remains important that you read to them, but equally important to listen to them read to you. Children thrive on having someone appreciate their developing skills, and they also love to hear the sound of their own voice.

If you have young children, I suggest you head over to your local public library, check out a Read to Me kit and give your child a wonderful start in life by introducing him or her to the pleasures of reading and story time. And if your child wants to read the same book over and over again, bite your lip and read it—again.