Books for Little Hands Program
San José Public Library offers a free and comprehensive program supporting early educators and child care providers with the common goal of meeting the emerging literacy needs of young children ages 0-5. Fulfilling a critical need has never been easier or more enjoyable! In this program, child care providers are assigned to a special check-out category with no fines and a one-month borrowing period.
Classroom Book Bags
A children’s librarian visits the child care provider site initially to present a special story time and demonstrate effective read aloud techniques. Each classroom book bag contains a set of 20 pre-selected, quality picture books to read aloud and share with the children. After the first month, program participants make a quick stop each month at the nearest San José Public Library branch to exchange the bag for a fresh set. Hearing books read aloud and having the opportunity to handle and enjoy the books individually provides children with the richest experience.
Books for Little Hands provides:
Books for Little Hands idea kits provide an invaluable resource enabling a variety of early literacy experiences around topics of special interest to preschool age children. Idea kits contain: Books, puppets, music, and other hands-on materials with suggestions for activities.
How to Apply for an Idea Kit
Note: Before ordering an idea kit you must apply for a special Books for Little Hands Library Card. To apply print out this Books for Little Hands Library Card Application. Please fax your completed application to (408) 808-2626 or mail it to Books for Little Hands, San José Public Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San José, CA 95112-3580. For questions call our office at (408) 808-2621.
My Books and I
This Books for Little Hands component builds on the classroom experience by sending books home. Each child can "check out" books to take home each week in a special canvas book bag. We provide tips to give to parents on how to use the books at home and a video for each family demonstrating read aloud techniques. The video is available in English or Spanish and includes specific information on how low-level literacy or ESL parents can develop their child's early literacy.
Books for Little Hands provides:
Main Office: (408) 808-2621
FAX: (408) 808-2626
Hours: Monday -Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 East San Fernando St., Lower Level
San José, CA 95112
Components
The Books for Little Hands program is comprised of four components: Classroom Book Bags, Curriculum Idea Kits, My Books and I, and Early Literacy Education. Books for Little Hands components are also implemented through Smart Start San José programs.Classroom Book Bags
A children’s librarian visits the child care provider site initially to present a special story time and demonstrate effective read aloud techniques. Each classroom book bag contains a set of 20 pre-selected, quality picture books to read aloud and share with the children. After the first month, program participants make a quick stop each month at the nearest San José Public Library branch to exchange the bag for a fresh set. Hearing books read aloud and having the opportunity to handle and enjoy the books individually provides children with the richest experience.
Books for Little Hands provides:
- Monthly exchange of 20 pre-selected children’s books for classroom use
- Information on literacy related programs and services
Books for Little Hands idea kits provide an invaluable resource enabling a variety of early literacy experiences around topics of special interest to preschool age children. Idea kits contain: Books, puppets, music, and other hands-on materials with suggestions for activities.
How to Apply for an Idea Kit
Note: Before ordering an idea kit you must apply for a special Books for Little Hands Library Card. To apply print out this Books for Little Hands Library Card Application. Please fax your completed application to (408) 808-2626 or mail it to Books for Little Hands, San José Public Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San José, CA 95112-3580. For questions call our office at (408) 808-2621.
My Books and I
This Books for Little Hands component builds on the classroom experience by sending books home. Each child can "check out" books to take home each week in a special canvas book bag. We provide tips to give to parents on how to use the books at home and a video for each family demonstrating read aloud techniques. The video is available in English or Spanish and includes specific information on how low-level literacy or ESL parents can develop their child's early literacy.
Books for Little Hands provides:
- Books for children to take home and share with their families
- Tips for parents on promoting early literacy at home
For more information
Books for Little HandsMain Office: (408) 808-2621
FAX: (408) 808-2626
Hours: Monday -Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 East San Fernando St., Lower Level
San José, CA 95112