Welcome to the Stratford Library Children’s Department.

• Decodable Books

  The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers Decodable Books for families, teachers, and homeschool groups to check out.

  

  What are Decodable Books? Decodable books are written for children learning to read. They usually focus on one of the phonics topics that children learn in school or with a homeschool curriculum. Unlike early readers that simply contain a majority of sight words, decodable books usually focus on just one phonics concept per book, allowing children to build their phonemic skills one at a time, from easier to more complex skills.

  Where can I find them? The Decodable books are in the younger children’s play area, near the easy readers. They are on top of one of the picture book shelving units. You can recognize them by their colored bins and card display. Please feel free to ask us for help as you navigate your child’s reading journey!

  You can see the entire collection in our catalog!

  Continue reading →

• Spooky Books for 2025

  It’s that time of the year for spooky, weird and scary books that aren’t too terrifying. Come visit the children’s department to make a creepy selection.

   

  

   

  Continue reading →

• 500 Books Before Middle School

  A New Program for 2025

  

  Reading QUEST

  Children can develop a love of reading, build literacy skills,
  and play the fun forest game as they go.

  How It Works

  Read 500 books before the end of sixth grade.
  Prizes awarded for every 50 books completed.
  Move through the forest maze with each milestone completed.
  Any book counts.
  Ask us for recommendations at any time.

  Visit Stratford Library Children’s Department to register. Receive a reading journal to keep track of books.

  Courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund, established to build a love of reading in families and in the community.

  Continue reading →