Family Resources
Welcome to the Taarifa Readers & Storytellers resource hub; where we gathered a curated collection of tools, tips, and trusted information to support families, caregivers, and child care providers. Here, you will find practical reading strategies, expert literacy insights, and beautiful book recommendations designed to spark a lifelong love for learning in little ones. We invite you to explore these resources, build on your family’s unique storytelling traditions, and find everything you need to create magical reading rituals every single day.
Infant & Toddler Resources
Why Daily Storytime Matters For Infants and Toddlers
All babies, from newborns to toddlers, greatly benefit from daily Storytime. When a caregiver establishes a consistent reading routine, they help the baby build essential early literacy skills. This practice enhances cognitive and language development, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Additionally, it provides a wonderful opportunity for emotional bonding between the caregiver and the child.
Storytime In Action
Watch how our community members bring storytime to life. Anyone who has the opportunity to engage with an infant, toddler or preschooler through literacy can unleash a super power to create lifelong enthusiasm for reading.
Storytime for Infants
Storytime for Toddlers
Enter to win a book!
If you would like a chance to win one of the picture books below to add to your in-home library, please send us a 90-second (or less) video of what Storytime looks like at your home. We are not looking for perfection; every household Storytime is unique. We will select one lucky family each month to win a free book!
Books For Infants & Toddlers
Here is a list of picture book titles that are sure to keep your little ones engaged during your Storytimes.
Me & My Mama, by Carole Boston Weatherford (0-3)
Hey, Baby! A Baby's Day In Doodles, by Andrea Pippins (0-3)
Lullaby, A Poem, by Langston Hughes (0 +)
I kissed The Baby, by Mary Murphy (0-3)
Resources for Pre-School to 8yrs.
Book Options For Young Readers
Discover the perfect stories to spark curiosity and keep young readers fully engaged from start to finish.
You Are Not A Cat, by Sharon Flake. (3-7)
Nani And The Lion, by Alicia D. Williams (4-8)
Julius, by Angela Johnson, (4-8)
CROWN: An Ode To A Fresh Cut, by Derrick Barnes (4+)
The Village Hub
Community Resources For Families and Caregivers
Call: 2-1-1
Text: zip code to 898-211
First stop for support
Resource navigators work with callers to refer to social service agencies across Allegheny County.Connections to vital human needs resources, physical and mental health resources, employment support and child care programs
Community Health Centers
Nonprofit primary care centers provide sliding scale care.
Steel Smiling
Mental health nonprofit that “connects every resident in our region to resources and treatment.”
Resolve
Call: 1-888-796-8226
Free service for crisis counseling and support
Provides referrals
Provides intervention services
Allegheny Link
Assists families with homelessness, disability services, aging services, and caregivers of 0-6-year-olds.
Call: 866-730-2368
PGH Community Food Bank
Information on food bank locations, drive up events, SNAP applications and more.
pittsburghfoodbank.org/get-help/
Call: (412) 460-3663
Childcare Database
Search available childcare options and
information on sliding scale fees and
family learning centers in the region.
Allegheny County Rent RelieF
Applications accepted until Sep. 30.
covidrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us/
Financial Empowerment Center
One-on-one free virtual financial
counseling for anyone.
Call: 1-800-298-0237
Rent Help Pittsburgh
Resource Navigators assist in application for COVID-19 Relief programs including RRP, legal sssistance, LIHEAP and 211.
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Share Your Storytime!
Show us your reading rituals! Send us a short video (90 seconds or less) of a typical storytime in your home and you could win a free children's book.
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