A compilation of information drawn from Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) grant applications and final evaluation reports submitted to the Wisconsin Division for Libraries and Community Learning, this book offers information that may be of practical value to other libraries wanting to establish their own emergent literacy programs. Chapter 1 (Preparing for an Early Literacy Program) discusses how to use the book, the proactive public library, informing the community, and useful planning materials. Chapter 2 (Making a Difference to the Very Young: Reaching Out to Infants and Their Parents) addresses initial contacts with parents of newborns, programs for parents, and recommended books and audiovisual materials for ages newborn through 18 months. Chapter 3 (Focusing on Toddlers: Introducing the Library to Children Ages 18 Months through 3 Years and to Their Parents) presents kits for librarians, programs for parents, kits for parent and child, and collection and service enhancement. Chapter 4 (Working with Preschoolers: Providing Services to Children Ages 3 through 5 Years, Their Parents, Other Care Providers, and Teachers) discusses programs for care providers and teachers, kits for care providers and teachers, deposit collections, programs for parents, kits for parent and child, and collection and service enhancement. Chapter 5 (Targeting Beginning Readers: Giving Reinforcement to Children Ages 5 through 8 Years) presents five approaches. Appendixes list the libraries that carried out programs; annotations of 97 resources for parents, 122 professional materials, and 110 information sources and suppliers; notes on child development as related to appropriate early literacy activities in the library; and a glossary. (RS)