Pettes Memorial Library is testing Croque Livres, a new literacy program at CPE Passerelle des mousses, one of TBL’s daycare centers.

“Having lots of books around is the single most important factor in stimulating a child to learn and to enjoy reading,” said Erika Cousens, an educational consultant on the project. “We are trying to create the habit of reading while children are still very young.”

“Croque Livres is a book-swap program,” said Alexandra Roy, director general of Passerelle des mousses. “Children just take and give back what they want. There is no membership, no records, no fines. We make it so easy.”

“Busy parents do not have to come to the library,” added Jana Valasek, director general of the Pettes Memorial Library. “We bring the library to the kids. We bring more than books. Some of our board members are reading to the children as well. They tell me that they have had the time of their lives. Imagine those excited faces.”

Discussions are underway with the Knowlton Literary Festival and with Village Reads to see what more can be done.