BILLINGS - When it comes to inspiring a love for learning, one program shows you can never start too young.

Every Friday for the past 9 months, Darah Simmons and her 17-month old daughter Tamara, spend the morning together at the Parmly Billings Library. Simmons is just one of dozens of guardians that participates in the libraries 'Books and Babies' reading program.

The weekly get together offers parents, grandparents and caretakers an opportunity to spend time with their toddler reading, singing, and playing together.

Children's librarian, Cindy Patterson said its important for parents like Simmons to read to their little ones.

"Literacy skills start at such an early age and babies are perceiving sound and voice recognition and we've actually had babies in our program that have had their first words." said Patterson.

A highlight Simmons said she's experienced with her own daughter. "This is where she learned her first word, it was on of her firsts, it was Sally."

Patterson said reading to children at a young age will prepare them for early education and could put them at an advantage. " They'll actually have a much larger vocab when they start preschool and kindergarten than children who have not been read to and had that interaction."

Since beginning the program, Simmons said her daughter has flourished. A result she couldn't be happier with.