DC Public Library's Books from Birth program proudly presents STAR Fest 2023! STAR stands for Sing, Talk and Read, three of the key early literacy practices. For families across D.C., Books from Birth is a huge part of the "R" in STAR! That's because with Books from Birth D.C. residents with children ages Birth to 5 can get a free book delivered to their home each month. If you sign up when your child is born, you can receive up to 60 high-quality children's books to add to your home library!
STAR Fest is a FREE family festival that celebrates all the ways you can help your child grow into a confident learner as you complement reading with singing, talking, writing and playing. At STAR Fest your family will learn about all of them as you go to each station to enjoy:
- Live music at the Sing station under the Loggia of the MLK Library with performances by family favorites like Marsha and the Positrons, Uncle Devin and more!
- Vibrant storytelling at the Talk station with the incredible storytellers from Story Tapestries as well as talk activities that will get your little one gabbing away.
- Fun family story times, including a special ASL story time at the Read station in the Children's Room.
- An interactive Write station where your child can decorate miniature houses, scribble a letter and play with toys that grow their fine motor skills that will help them as they begin to write.
- A Play station wonderland with soft play activities that will allow your child to run, roll and jump around as they build their gross motor skills.
- A great opportunity to connect with local education partners at our Partner station where you can speak with experts from Strong Start, Ready for Pre-K, DC Childcare Connections and more while your child enjoys games and activities, including face painting, and a bubbleologist.
- Sign up for Books from Birth and Beyond the Book, DC Public Library's next step for developing readers as they turn five.
- Free lunch (while supplies last).
- An exclusive STAR Fest tote bag that you can fill with tips and great giveaways that will help you incorporate STAR into your everyday routine at home!
