Bring the library to your childcare or preschool.
Pierce County Library System supports licensed childcare centers and preschools serving baby, toddler and preschool-aged youth (ages 0-5) in our service area.
- Access Book Bin Delivery – Bins of books are delivered directly to childcares and preschools and exchanged monthly. Facilities may use them for instruction and free reading as part of providing enriching learning experiences and building early literacy skills.
- Enjoy Story Times – Library staff visit childcares and preschools for story time with reading, singing and movement activities for young children.
- Schedule Outreach to Families – Library staff visit childcares and preschools during an open house or parent/caregiver night to share information about library services and resources and help families sign up for their own library cards.
- Find support for Teachers and Staff – Library staff provide early literacy-focused professional development opportunities for childcare providers, including STARS-accredited classes.
Apply Now
All childcares and preschools interested in receiving Book Bin Delivery or any of the other services listed above must complete an application for service. Home-based childcare childcares are currently eligible for Book Bin Delivery and teacher/staff support.
For more information on qualifying for service or how to apply, see the FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my organization qualify for service?
Childcare centers and preschool programs, including Early Head Start and Head Start programs, and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAPs) are eligible for service if they have met the following criteria:
- Be licensed by the State of Washington.
- Have a minimum of 10 children enrolled. Home-based childcares must have a minimum of six children enrolled.
- Be located in the Pierce County Library System service area. Learn more about our service area.
Priority will be given to childcares and preschools that are in a Tacoma-Pierce County Community of Focus, are a free or low-cost early learning program, accept subsidies, are accessible to lower-income households, or serve primarily students with disabilities. Learn more about the Tacoma-Pierce County Community of Focus.
Childcare centers and preschool programs must apply using the Childcare Centers and Preschools application and home-based childcares must apply using the Home-based childcare application.
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What is included in a “book bin”?
We offer toddler (ages 0-3) and preschool (ages 3-5) book bins. Both types of bins contain between 20-25 assorted age-appropriate books. Toddler bins include board books and fiction and nonfiction picture books. Preschool bins have a mix of fiction and nonfiction picture books, as well as easy readers. Spanish and bilingual books are included in both bin types.
How long will it take before we receive our first book bin?
While we do our best to get bins to you right away, it can sometimes take up to two months to schedule your first visit. This is because deliveries only take place once a month. If Outreach Services staff have already completed the delivery routes in your area for the month, your first delivery could be delayed.
My organization is already receiving book bins. Do we still need to apply?
Yes, all organizations – including those already receiving book bins or being visited by either Outreach Services or local library staff – must complete an application to be considered for service beginning in Fall 2026.
Can I request specific books to be included in the bin?
In addition to the monthly assorted titles included in the book bin, you may request three to five titles on a specific subject or theme per month.
Can I renew books included in the bin?
Yes, books in the bin may be renewed by calling Outreach Services at 253-548-3536.
How often will you visit for story time?
The number of story time visits may vary. In general, you can expect Library staff to commit to visiting a minimum of two to four times a year to provide a story time for up to five classrooms. Story times are 15-20 minutes long and may include books, songs, rhymes, movement games, toys, scarves, egg shakers and/or a flannel board activity.
What are STARS classes?
STARS training is the mandated continuing education for early childcare providers in Washington State, administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The Pierce County Library System offers free STARS classes throughout the year. Classes can be viewed on the Pierce County Library calendar or in the MERIT class registry. Explore classes in the online calendar.
How does my facility sign-up?
The first step is to complete the application for childcare centers and preschools or home-based childcare providers. Home-based childcare providers are only eligible for book bin delivery at this time.
What happens after I submit an application for service?
Applications are now open for service beginning in Fall 2026. Facilities will be asked to reapply or provide updated information biannually to maintain eligibility.
Outreach Services will review your application to ensure you meet the basic criteria for licensure and enrollment and determine what level of service we can provide.
Priority will be given to childcares and preschools that are in a Tacoma-Pierce County Community of Focus, are a free or low-cost early learning program, accept subsidies, are accessible to lower-income households, or serve primarily students with disabilities. Learn more about the Tacoma-Pierce County Communities of Focus.
My facility is very close to a Pierce County Library System location. Will I still be eligible for Ready for Books?
Yes. Distance from a library location does not automatically qualify or disqualify a childcare or preschool from services.
What if I have more questions about Ready for Books or need help filling out the application?
Email Outreach Services or call 253-548-3536 for assistance.
Do we need a library card?
Yes. If selected to participate in the Ready for Books program, your organization will be issued an institutional library card from Pierce County Library System.
What if a book is damaged?
The library expects a certain amount of wear and tear will happen to the books and will not charge an organization for torn pages or damage due to repeated use. Please do not try to mend torn books. Return them in your book bin as is and our library staff will repair them.
For extensive or unusual damage that cannot be repaired, such as liquid or food damage, the library may charge a damaged item fee per our damaged materials policy. The library is unable to accept a personal or purchased copy of a book to replace a damaged title.
What happens if we lose a book?
If an item is not returned, it is considered lost, and the replacement cost will be billed to the library card account. The library is unable to accept a personal or purchased copy of a book to replace a missing title.
Library Resources
Enjoy these resources free with your library card.
Build and Learn with Blocks – Guide for Caregivers >
