For Parents & Caregivers / Bright by Text ~ New Orleans Public Library

For Parents & Caregivers

Early Literacy - Raising Readers with New Orleans Public Library

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write. It’s the foundation that newborns to 5-year-olds need to become readers.

The New Orleans Public Library believes in helping parents and caregivers raise readers together. We are committed to providing support from the very beginning of children’s early learning to years beyond. Our resources can help them become ready to read and prepare them to be lifelong learners.

Click on one of the categories below to explore ways to raise a reader.

Bright by Text

Text the word NOLAKIDS to 274448

The Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) has partnered with Bright by Text, a national parent texting program, to put expert tips and child development information directly into the hands of parents and caregivers. This unique resource is especially useful for families as they navigate how to make the most of everyday interactions with children while at home together.

Bright by Text, which is focused on families with children from prenatal to age eight, provides invaluable information from early childhood experts on topics including developmental milestones, brain development, mental health and resilience, social-emotional competence, STEM, language, and literacy, nutrition, health and more. The program is proven to build nurturing caregiver-child relationships, and positively impact a child’s healthy development and school readiness.

To sign up, parents and caregivers with children under age 8 can text the word NOLAKIDS to 274448. They will receive two to four text messages per week. Each message includes a link to a landing page with more detail, short modeling videos, and links to related resources. The content is focused for families with children from prenatal to age 8.