- April 16, 2026
Decodable reading kits designed to help young children build foundational reading skills are coming to Volusia County Public Library branches countywide.
The kits will debut the week of April 20 during Ready to Learn Pre-K Storytime at the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Deltona, DeLand, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach regional libraries. For program days, times, and locations, visit www.volusialibrary.org/libcal.stml.
Decodable books use a phonics-based approach that guides children to sound out words using skills they've already learned — building confidence and independence rather than guesswork. The kits are grounded in the science of reading and align with the Florida Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! initiative, which emphasizes evidence-based instruction in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
This initiative builds on the library’s comprehensive approach to early literacy. Efforts begin with My First Library Card, a child’s first gateway to books and learning, and continue through developmentally aligned programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Growing Readers, and Raising Readers, which encourage daily reading and family engagement. These initiatives are supported by a wide range of Storytimes, programs, and services that promote language development, early learning, and school readiness. Together, they create a strong, connected foundation that supports local children as they grow into confident readers. Decodable Reading Kits further strengthen this continuum by giving families a practical, research-based tool to support reading development at home.
While children benefit from hearing rich stories read aloud, decodable books give them the opportunity to actively practice reading on their own using the skills they are learning. The kits check out free with a Volusia County Public Library card and are made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Library.
