Sitka Babies and Books was founded in 1991. Over the years, we have had the privilege of engaging thousands of Sitka families by providing books, resources, and dynamic programs for children, which are structured around the five principles of early literacy: singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing.

Our program encourages and supports families and caregivers in reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers—in turn, fostering bonding between parents and children.

Research shows that reading to children at home increases reading readiness skills, so we direct our programs to children who have not yet started kindergarten.

We sincerely appreciate the kindness and generosity of the Sitka Legacy Foundation for your continued support of our efforts to encourage Sitka children to become lifelong readers and users of the Sitka Public Library.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of engaging in thousands of community meetings, where parents identified toddler gyms as greatly needed. Parent Tot Time provides a gathering place for parents to connect and toddlers to explore through movement and unstructured play. The grant has provided equipment and resources to operate free toddler time for the youngest families. Eliminating fees has more than doubled attendance at tot times.

Teen open gym offers a welcoming and warm space for youth to hang out with each other and with safe adults. Open skating, basketball, volleyball, art, ping pong, and karaoke are a few of the activities on offer at these events. An unexpected outcome has been the chance for students from Sitka’s three high schools to connect.  AmeriCorps volunteer Laura Cebulski made this observation: “I see students moving their bodies; interacting and meeting new people; showing respect to themselves and each other; and laughing and smiling.”