For Teachers
Berkeley Public Library welcomes teachers and students to the library!
On this page:
Visiting the Library with Your Class
Library Cards for Students
Borrowing Books During Your Class Visit
Finding Books and Other Materials
Events
Contact Us
Visiting the Library with Your Class
Visits for Preschool Groups
We want preschoolers to feel comfortable in the library, and to feel eager to explore and enjoy the resources that enliven and enrich children's lives! For your visit the librarians will be happy to:
- Schedule a special storytime of favorite stories, books, fingerplays, and more.
- Select age-appropriate books on a theme of your choice.
- Help find the right audio and video materials for young listeners.
When schedules permit, we will also visit your location to speak to parents and teachers about selecting books for your listeners, showcasing classics as well as recent favorites.
Visits for Elementary School Classes
We want primary students (Grades K – 2) to feel at ease using the library and to discover the excitement of new books and information.
- A first visit will include a tour of the children’s area and a description of our services.
- As time permits, we’ll gladly prepare a program of stories or booktalks for your class.
Upper elementary students (Grades 3 - 5) are beginning to develop specialized library and reading skills. For them, you may also want to request:
- An introduction to materials that will kick off a particular topic or project;
- An introduction to the Library’s on-line resources;
- Booktalks to spark excitement about a particular genre or assignment.
How to Arrange a Class Visit
Every Berkeley Public Library location has a Children’s Services librarian who works with all public and private preschool, elementary and middle schools in Berkeley. Here is how to make an appointment:
- Two weeks’ advance notice is required.
- Call your preferred BPL location to make arrangements with a children’s librarian (see Contact information).
- Let the librarian know if you want a special topic or service.
- If you want your students to check out books during your visit, see the section about library card applications.
- Each group may schedule up to one visit per month.
- Class/Group Visit Checklist for planning your visit.
We look forward to seeing you and your class at the library!
Library Cards
Students who do not have cards can obtain cards during your class visit if we have a completed application form in hand before the visit.
- Download a Library card application form for students age 13 and under
- Bring completed forms to us at least five working days before your visit.
- We need your help! Please be sure each application is complete, accurate and legible, and that a parent or legal guardian has signed it. This will help to avoid disappointment for your students.
For students age 14 and older, please see www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/librarycards/ for more information and for an application form.
Borrowing Books During Your Class Visit
If you want your students to check out books during your visit, they will need to bring their own library cards. Students who do not have cards can obtain them during the visit; please see the section on library cards.
- Books may be borrowed for 3 weeks. DVDs and videos may be borrowed for 1 week.
- There are no overdue fines for children's books, but DVDs and videos that are returned late accumulate a fine of $1 per day. If materials are not returned, a replacement fee is charged.
- A student's record is blocked when overdue fines and fees for lost items exceed $10. Please be aware that a student may not be able to check out materials during your visit due to this circumstance.
- Please do not encourage your students to let other students use their library cards. Many charges on a student's record appear because of books that a friend has borrowed. Help students be responsible borrowers.
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. We also provide access to special databases (Electronic Resources) on the internet that can help your students with assignments. You can see what we offer by looking on the library catalog and other links below. Feel free to also contact the library for assistance in finding specific items or items about a particular topic.
- BPL Library Catalog
- Good Books
- Electronic Resources for Kids
- Homework Help - Assistance for students from a live tutor!
Events
We offer a variety of events throughout the year: storytellers, puppeteers, magicians, our annual summer reading game, and other special events. Groups may be accommodated at some of these programs; please contact the Children’s Librarian at the location of the event in advance.
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 |