By Terry Pulliam

The reading program 6 by 6, Ready to Read: Six Skills by Six Years at the Johnson County Library provides proven tools to prepare kids and grandchildren to love reading using engaging, kid-friendly artwork, materials and programming.

The Library celebrated the program’s 15th anniversary in the fall with a birthday bash, special Storytimes and a fresh new look for its six beloved characters representing six essential skills: Have Fun with Books (a monkey); Look for Letters Everywhere (a peacock); Notice Print All Around You (a kangaroo and joey); Take Time to Rhyme (a goat); Talk Talk Talk (a toucan); and Tell Stories About Everything (a turtle).

“We’re bringing the characters into a new generation of kids and Library resources, while still reinforcing the 6 by 6 skills,” said Program Operations Manager Shannon Goebel, who was early literacy coordinating librarian from 2021 to 2024.

According to Goebel, early literacy is more multidimensional now. She pointed out new ways to interact with Library resources, including talking books and eResources like BookFlix.

Early literacy skills, based on the science of children’s brain development, were originally identified by the Public Library Association in partnership with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Johnson County Library customized the research to resonate with patrons and launched what became the 6 by 6 program in September 2009. In 2012, the State of Kansas adopted 6 by 6 as its own early literacy program.

The program remains one of Johnson County Library’s premier services with more than 32,000 Storytime attendees in 2023. Parents, grandparents and early childhood teachers have continued to seek out these proven approaches through the years, demonstrating the program’s enduring impact.

Looking for a fun way to reinforce reading readiness with the littles in your life? Learn more about Storytimes, book recommendations and other early literacy resources at jocolibrary.org/6by6.

Terry Pulliam is assistant communications manager at Johnson County Library.