The more parents and caregivers talk and listen to young children, the easier it is for them to learn to read and write when they start kindergarten. This is because simple activities each day such as singing and playing every day help kids develop the cognitive and language skills they need to do well in school and beyond. The free service called TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten, sends two text messages each week suggesting activities that parents and caregivers can easily incorporate into daily routines with their children. The service also notifies parents of free activities and services at the library. Parents can sign up by texting TALK to 75547 or visiting www.texttolearn.com.