CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING
The Youth Services Department
About the Collection
There are more than 25,000 items in the library for children and teens, including recorded books, VHS tapes, DVDs, and magazines. Please let the youth services staff know about any suggestions you have for additions to the children's or young adult collections.
About 5,000 of the books in the Youth Collection are "Easy," or picture, books for parents to read aloud to and with young children. There are also a large number of readers for children beginning to read on their own, and "board books" for babies and toddlers. Branch libraries have smaller but similar collections.
Youth Services Staff
Jennifer Gillis 718-4665 x. 5483
Delisa Williams 718-4665 x. 5484
For Children
NEW! Children's Computer
A new computer has been installed for use by children ages 12 and younger. This computer has internet access and is loaded with a variety of games appropriate for children ages 3 to 12. Headphones are available for checkout from the front desk, or you may bring headphones from home. Parents and caregivers should plan to remain with their younger children while they use the computer.
Story Time for Young Children
From September through the end of April, the Lee County Public Library offers story time for toddlers and preschoolers at the Main Library. Programs last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the age group, and may include stories, finger plays, flannel board stories, crafts, movement, and music. Unless otherwise announced, programs take place in the auditorium at the Main Library. Attendance is on a drop-in basis and no registration is required.
Toddler story time: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. for children up to age 3 [Begins Wednesday, September 9, 2009]
Preschool story time: Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6 [Begins Thursday, September 10, 2009]
For the latest news and ideas from our toddler and preschool story times, subscribe to the "Reading Bug Blog" at
http://www.readingbugblog.blogspot.com
Helping your child get the most from story time
1) Be prompt: programs begin at the scheduled time. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so that your child doesn't miss any of the activities.
2) Be ready: Please turn off your cell phone or set it on the "vibrate" mode when you come into the auditorium. If you need to take a call, please leave the room.
3) Be realistic: Children's attention spans and moods vary widely. If your child becomes restless or upset, please take him or her out for a break and try returning in a minute or two. If your child isn't ready that day, come back next week. Your child will grow into story time as time goes by.
4) Be aware: Please keep tabs on your child during story time. Some wandering is inevitable, but we ask that you keep the enjoyment of the rest of the group in mind at all times.
Summer Reading Program
The Lee County Library offers a summer reading program each year from mid-June until early August. The theme for summer 2010 is "Make a Splash@ Your Library!" Watch for further information as summer approaches, and subscribe to our summer reading blog at:
http://www.leesummerreading.blogspot.com
For Teens
The Lee County Library offers a growing collection of books, audio books, and graphic novels for young adults ages 14 and up. This collection is located in a separate area, directly across from the adult large print fiction section. Please feel free to ask a staff member for help locating young adult materials. We also welcome your suggestions for purchase. For more information about teen programming, subscribe to our blog at:
http://www.lcpl.wordpress.com
Teen Programs
Teen programs include coffee house/open mike nights, game nights, and other events. Teens ages 14 to 18 are invited to participate in the NEW Teen Advisory Board. For more information, call the youth services department at (919) 718-4665 x. 5483.
Quiz Bowl
Quiz Bowl is a tournament of general knowledge questions for high school-age students. Participating groups form teams of a minimum of four players, and practices take place at individual schools or within individual organizations. The local competition takes place the first Saturday in February, and the winning team may advance to a regional competition.
Children’s Outreach
Lee County Library offers outreach to Headstart, Even Start, and other selected daycare and preschool programs from September to April. Centers or groups visit the library at prearranged times for special story times. Librarians can also pre-select books for preschools and daycare centers; call the Main branch to arrange for this service.