The Munich City Library is inviting 3-year-olds and their families to dive into the world of books with its ‘Playful Reading Start’ action program. Running from January 19 to February 6, 2026, the program will be hosted in all district libraries, offering a diverse range of free, interactive events designed to spark joy in reading.
What is the ‘Playful Reading Start’ Program?
This initiative recognizes that as children take their first steps and speak their first words, they begin to explore the world in their unique way. Books become doubly interesting for them – as physical objects to manipulate and as treasure chests filled with colorful pictures and letters that tell fascinating stories. The program aims to awaken a love for these stories, rhymes, illustrations, speaking, and discovery, embracing the rich diversity crucial for child development.
Program Highlights and Activities
Three-year-olds will experience picture books with all their senses, engaging in both analog and digital activities. The program incorporates singing, dancing, and playful interactions, often in various languages or with Orff instruments like glockenspiels, tambourines, and xylophones.
- Start Dates and Locations: The program kicks off on Monday, January 19, at the Pasing City Library with ‘Der Grolltroll,’ and at HP8 and Moosach libraries with ‘Gute Nacht, Gorilla.’ It then continues across all district libraries.
- Special Events: A particular highlight includes performances by Clown Pollina and the ‘Buchstabensuppe’ (Alphabet Soup) on February 2 at Motorama, February 4 at HP8, and February 5 in Westend.
All events are free of charge. For a complete schedule and registration, visit muenchner-stadtbibliothek.de/lesestart. Due to limited capacity, early registration is recommended.
A Message from Mayor Dieter Reiter
Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed his enthusiasm for the program: “I think it’s great that the ‘Playful Reading Start’ action program is so well received every year. This is no wonder, because for three weeks, there is singing, dancing, laughing, and playing, playfully awakening the joy of stories, rhymes, illustrations, speaking, and discovery. Just stop by with your little ones!”
Media Literacy Promotion Nearby: District Libraries Offer Extensive Programs
Munich’s district libraries serve as reliable partners for parents and educators in introducing young children to media. They provide a wide selection of short stories, songs, and rhymes on CDs, as well as a rich collection of picture books and games. Multimedia additions include TipToi and Bookii pens, Edurino, and Tigerbooks. For German or English children’s picture or audiobooks, the eBook platforms Onleihe and OverDrive also offer a quick solution.
Regular Programs for Young Children
- ‘Bücherzwerge’ (Book Dwarfs): This event series is specifically for children under three, introducing them to books through finger plays, songs, and stories.
- ‘Weltkinder’ (World Children): Regularly held for children aged three and up, this series features storytelling in English, Italian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Chinese, often presented dialogically and bilingually.
- ‘Lesezeichen Junior’ Podcasts: For entertaining recommendations for all age groups, monthly podcasts are available.
All these resources are free. The library card, necessary for borrowing, is free for children and young people under 18.
Municipal Election: Up to 180 Euros for Election Workers
On March 8, over a million citizens in Munich are called upon to cast their votes for the office of the Mayor, the City Council with its 80 members, and the 25 district committees. Approximately 14,000 election workers are needed to conduct the municipal elections. The city is currently looking for around 3,500 volunteers to count votes on election day and the following day.
Mayor Dieter Reiter urged for support: “On March 8 and 9, we need every helping hand in Munich to ensure that the election runs smoothly and properly.”
The city rewards this commitment to democracy with an expense allowance between 130 and 180 euros, depending on the task within the election committee. Additionally, anyone who does not receive a compensatory day off from their employer will receive an additional 50 euros.
All adults who are German citizens or citizens of another EU member state are eligible to register. Further information and online registration can be found at muenchen.de/wahlhelfende. For questions, the Election Office can be reached at telephone 233-96233 or via email at [email protected].
Source: https://stadt.muenchen.de/news/260113_lesestart.html
