Children's Services

Children's corridor Children's Library Children's Library

In addition to our collection of books, magazines, DVDs & videos, audiobooks on cassette & CD, and music for children the library offers:

 

Virtual Story Time

Hear our children's librarian, Rachel Davis--as well as other area librarians--reading stories and teaching fingerplays on the Maine Humanities Council website. You can either listen to the podcasts on the "Humanities on Demand" section of their site, or download the podcasts through iTunes (search for "Humanities on Demand.")

 

Learn more about:
John Lechner: Author, Illustrator, Animator

John Lechner is a children's book author and illustrator. He is also an animator and computer game designer. Join us for a rare look into the life and work of this multi-talented artist.

In a special library program on August 8, 2008, John showed us how his books, A Froggy Fable, and the graphic novel Sticky Burr, were created, and answered questions about his work as an author, illustrator, animator, and game designer. He also showed us how he creates his animated short films, and even made two short animations for us on the spot!

Click here to visit John Lechner's interactive website, where you can read stories online, view films and play games.

Sticky Burr, by John Lechner
A Froggy Fable, by John Lechner John Lechner: Author, illustrator, animator

 

Annual Summer Reading Program

The library offers a summer reading program each year, designed to encourage kids to keep reading during the long school break. Children keep track of the time they spend reading and earn prizes from the library's Treasure Chest. Children of any age may sign up--children who are not reading on their own may help keep track of books read aloud to them.

This Year's Theme

The 2008 Summer Reading Program Theme is Catch the Reading Bug!, all about insects and spiders.Click here for more information about the program.

 

Special Events

The library offers a number of special events for children and families throughout the year, although most of them are scheduled in the summer months. Click here to find out about this summer's special events for children and families.

 

Public Computers

The Children's Library has four computers for public use, although one of the computers is reserved for searching the library's catalog only. In compliance with Federal Law, the computers have filtering software installed on them. Parents should be aware, however, that no software can completely screen out material that some parents may find objectionable. Parents are urged to supervise their children when they are using library computers.

In addition to Internet access, the computers in the Children's Library are equipped with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

 

Parenting Collection

The library has a special parenting collection, located downstairs beneath the Children's Library and adjacent to the Community Room. The collection features books, magazines, videos & DVDs, and a small selection of audiobooks on cassette and CD. A Parent's Page for this website is under construction, so check back soon!

Reference Services

Library staff are always available to help children and parents with reference inquiries and help finding homework resources. Our children's reference collection includes general and subject encyclopedias, and a variety of other resources that can help children with research projects. Reference materials do not circulate, but a photocopier is available and the first 10 copies from any reference materials are free.