Children’s Department programs are geared for kids ages 10 and under. Most program descriptions include a recommended age range and note whether registration is needed or if the event is drop-in style. To register for programs, visit the Children’s Department in person or call us at extension 2.

The Children’s Department understands play is the work of children. Play is how children learn. The library provides a safe and welcoming environment to support and encourage each child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. When the Children’s Program Room is not in use for a scheduled program or event such as Storytime or Lego Club, the space is available for Open Playtime. Adult caregivers are asked to remain in the program room with their child/children during Open Playtime. Library staff is NOT able to supervise children during this time. 

Explore our collection of magnetic mazes and preschool puzzles at the library to strengthen fine motor skills, problem solving, and spatial awareness skills. Visit our dramatic play area in the Family Nook (theme rotates every few months!) to encourage imagination, creativity, language and socialization. The library has a collection of over 50 children’s puzzles that are able to be checked out with a library card.

The objectives of the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten organization are to promote reading to newborns, infants and toddlers, and to encourage adult and child bonding through reading. According to 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, “Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success. Public formal education does not typically start until ages 5-6. Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple (read a book, any book to your child, with the goal of reading 1,000 before kindergarten) and very manageable endeavor.