The Library is helping children develop early literacy skills from their homes and classrooms. Reading Ready Time, a virtual experience designed to help children between the ages of three and six get ready to read and connect with The Library, will launch a new season on YouTube on September 13. Episodes will be uploaded weekly and will include storytimes, a field trip to Victory Field to visit the Indianapolis Indians, a musical visit with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and more.

"We decided to create Reading Ready Time to make our early childhood programming accessible to students who may not be able to make it to in-person programs at The Library," said Shael Weidenbach, area resource manager of youth services. "We invite teachers and caregivers to register online to receive an email with book lists and activities to enrich the program experience. Then have fun singing, dancing, playing, and learning with The Library."

Reading Ready Time is part of The Library's Reading Ready initiative, which encompasses programming targeted towards early learners. Integrating early literacy practices from the ALA Every Child Ready to Read program, Reading Ready Time encourages reading, writing, playing, singing, and talking.

Children 3-6 are invited to a virtual Library visit! Join us from home to sing along, listen to a story, see new places, and meet amazing people. This program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

The Reading Ready Time schedule can be found below.

• Reading Ready Time - Storytime with Ms. Jess!
  Wednesday, September 13 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Indianapolis Librarian Ms. Jess also presents a live virtual storytime on Wednesdays!
• Reading Ready Time - The Indianapolis Indians
  Wednesday, September 20 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  This week we take a field trip to Victory Field to visit with the Indianapolis Indians and learn more about baseball.
• Reading Ready Time - Professor Watermelon
  Wednesday, September 27 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  This week Professor Watermelon visits The Library for a fun-filled storytime.
• Reading Ready Time - Teddy Bear Concert - The Giant's Violin
  Wednesday, October 4 from 10 - 10:30 a.m. Meet members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for an interactive music and story adventure.
• Reading Ready Time - Out of This World Music and Stories About Space
  Wednesday, October 11 from 10-10:30 a.m.
  Join Ms. Shael for a visit with Dino O'Dell, children's musician and educator, for a sing-along romp all about space.
• Reading Ready Time - Latin American Folktales with Marian University Theatre
  Wednesday, October 18 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Join the Marian University theatre department as they share a favorite Latin American Folktale.
• Reading Ready Time - Teddy Bear Concert - Monkey's Jungle Jam
  Wednesday, October 25 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Join us for a visit with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as they tell the story of a monkey's search through a jungle to find musical friends.
• Reading Ready Time - The Indianapolis Opera - The Not So Ugly Duckling
  Wednesday, November 1 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  This week we will have a visit from The Indianapolis Opera as they share a story about kindness based on the fairy tale - The Ugly Duckling.
• Reading Ready Time - Latin American Folktales with Marian University Theatre
  Wednesday, November 8 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  This week, the Marian University theatre department returns with another Latin American Folktale.
• Reading Ready Time - Teddy Bear Concert - The Big Note
  Wednesday, November 15 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Join us for a visit with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as they tell the story of a young boy's search through a symphony orchestra to find a big note he hears at a concert.
• Reading Ready Time - All About Indiana with The Indiana State Library
  Wednesday, November 29 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Did you know there is another library in Indianapolis? This week we have a visit to the Indiana State Library located in downtown Indianapolis.
• Reading Ready Time - The Nutcracker with the Indianapolis Ballet
  Wednesday, December 6 from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
  Listen to the story of the Nutcracker accompanied by dance. Then get moving as the dancers lead a movement class.