The Story Room at CazCares offers early literacy programs to families whose parents receive free adult literacy tutoring or attend other educational programs at CazCares.

Staffed by volunteers, the Story Room operates on a drop-in basis during the hours when CazCares is open. Story Room volunteers actively engage children in activities that promote reading and reading readiness. Preschool learning concepts are emphasized through play, learning activities, and reading to children. Story Room learning activities are flexible and easily adapted to different age groups. Cazenovia Public Library has developed a list of “favorite books” that most preschool children should be familiar with before entering kindergarten. These are books we read often to children in the Story Room. Children who are better prepared to enter school are more likely to be successful in school.

Reading Books at Home
Studies show that children read more when books are in the home. With the help of the Friends of Cazenovia Public Library, CazCares offer families free, age appropriate children’s books every time they visit the Story Room.

Partners in Literacy
The Story Room at CazCares extends the reach of library based literacy services to people who are not usually library users. We serve as a resource for Read Ahead GED and adult literacy programs held at New Woodstock Library, Cazenovia Public Library, and CazCares.

The Story Room helps promote Cazenovia Public Library family programs such as Toddler and Baby Story Hour and the Mid-York Summer Reading Program. We also collaborate with the Community Action Program’s “Starting Together” and with Cornell Cooperative Extension nutrition programs held at CazCares.