For Parents and Caregivers
Our services are for babies through eighth graders. We're always happy to have you join us at our programs, help you find books or DVDs, or recommend good reading. Ask us!
On this page:
Library Cards and Borrowing Materials
Visiting the Library
Finding Books and Other Materials
Events and Programs
Internet and Computer Use
Contact Us
Library Cards and Borrowing Materials
How Can A Child Get a Library Card?
- Children may get a library card when they are five years old.
- A child must come in person with a completed Library Card Application Form (see link below) to receive a card.
- The form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that the adult who signs this form must be someone who is legally responsible for the child; for example, daytime caregivers or visiting grandparents are not eligible.
- Download a Library Card Application form
- My Library Account
Books and music can be borrowed for three weeks; items may be renewed by phone or online using "My Library Account". You may check out a combined total of 8 DVDs and/or videos for one week.
There are no fines for children's books or music that are overdue, but please be aware that there is a fine of $1 per day for overdue DVDs and videos. If books, music, DVDs, videos, or other items are not returned, you will be billed for those items.
You may see what books your child has checked out and when items are due by looking in "My Library Account". Your child's library card is needed to access your child's account.
Visiting the Library
We encourage parents and caregivers to give children guidance in choosing materials, and invite you to come to the library often. Make the library a family or funtime activity!
The Children's Staff does not restrict children's use of library materials or the Internet, but we gladly recommend age-appropriate, reliable resources when asked. When we select materials, we consider quality, diversity and subject coverage. We encourage children to explore all areas of the library collection!
Help your child be safe at the library:
- Please supervise children under the age of eight while they are in the library. Older children may also feel more comfortable if accompanied by an adult.
- Any child left too long in the library may become restless, hungry, or tired. We will ask disruptive children to leave the building.
- Be sure a child has enough money for a phone call. Teach your child your name, address and phone number(s) to call in an emergency.
- Be sure a child has safe transit home from the library. If may not be safe for your child to wait for you outside the library, so check the library's closing time. If a child is alone at closing, we will contact the police to assure the child's safety.
Finding Books and Other Materials
We offer children's books for all ages and interests (including boardbooks for babies and toddlers), videos and DVDs, cassette tapes and CDs, books in many languages; magazines; books and online information for school assignments, books on tape; and books for parents. You can see what we offer by looking on the library catalog and other links below.
Events and Programs
We offer a variety of events throughout the year: storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families; storytellers, puppeteers, magicians, and other special events; book clubs, and our annual summer reading game. Visit the pages below for the latest news.
Internet and Computer Use
We invite children to learn and explore computer resources. Children may sign up for 30 minutes at a time to use computers in the library. Middle school children will need to show ID, either their own library card or a school ID. The Children's Staff does not restrict children's use of the Internet, but we gladly recommend age-appropriate, reliable resources when asked.
AWE Early Literacy Stations are computers that have 26 programs selected for ages 2 through 8. The programs are organized into several different topics, including art, music, reading and writing, math and problem solving, science, social studies and computer skills. We plan to update to the bilingual Spanish/English version when it becomes available. Currently AWE Stations are available at the Central Library only, but watch for new stations coming to your branch as well!
Please also visit these recommended web sites:
Contact Us
Children's librarians are available at every branch as well as in the Children's Library. Please feel free to contact us.
| Phone numbers are: | |
| Children's Library, Central | 981-6223 |
| Claremont Branch | 981-6280 |
| North Branch | 981-6250 |
| South Branch | 981-6260 |
| West Branch | 981-6270 |