YOUTH PROGRAMMING (Birth 12 Years)
Date Approved: 2/21/2011
By: Board
YOUTH PROGRAMMING (Birth – 12 years)
Goal
To enhance early literacy skills and develop reading skills in children ages birth through 12 years of age, and to support and enhance the mission and goals of the library.
Administration
The Youth Services Librarian, Assistant Youth Services Librarian, and Youth Services Assistant are responsible for programming for children ages birth through 12 years, which includes: Early Literacy Programming, Young Readers Enrichment Programs, PAWS To Read, Tween Programming, Family Nights, Summer Reading Program, Late Summer Activities, Group/Class Visits to the Library, and Passive Programming.
General Programming Guidelines
All programs are planned to foster a lifelong love of books and reading.
Programs are planned with the enjoyment and safety of the children in mind.
Programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required for all programs, and group sizes are limited. Registration may be made by phone or in person, on or after the designated registration dates. Group registrations for preschools, scouts, public or home school groups cannot be accepted for regularly scheduled library programs. These groups may schedule library visits as described below (I), and they may participate in the summer reading program provided they make appropriate arrangements with the Youth Services Librarian in advance.
Attendance statistics are kept for all programs. Every person in the room is counted.
Age appropriate activities are planned for each program and age restrictions are enforced.
Programs are publicized through local newspapers, promotional brochures, the library webpage, and the flatscreen display. A fall children’s program brochure, with events scheduled for September through December is made available by August 15 of each year. A winter/spring brochure, with events for January through May is made available by December 15. Annual summer reading brochures are available by May 15 each year.
Guidelines for Specific Programs
A. Babytime (Early Literacy)
1. Children ages birth through 24 months, accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver, may attend.
2. A 20 –30 minute session is offered 20 times throughout the year, (approximately twice/month.)
3. There is no group size limit.
4. Each session consists of songs, rhymes, fingerplays and a storybook, followed
by free time during which children may explore educational toys and parents may
socialize.
B. Tales for Two (Early Literacy)
1. Child must be age 2 or 3 years at some time within the scheduled weeks of the program. A parent or adult caregiver must accompany child. It is suggested that parents make this a one on one sharing time with the toddler.
2. Weekly 30 minute sessions for 6 consecutive weeks are offered four times during the year. Sessions begin in September, October, January, and March.
3. Daytime and evening sessions are scheduled each week. Patrons may sign up for the time of their choice, however each group is limited to 12 children.
4. Stories are presented through books, flannelboards, puppets, and props. Fingerplays, songs, crafts, and other learning activities may be included.
C. Storytime (Early Literacy)
1. Child must be age 3 ½ - 5 at some time within the scheduled weeks of the program. Parents are welcome to attend, or may remain in the children’s room while child attends storytime.
2 Weekly 30 minute sessions lasting 6 consecutive weeks are offered four times a year. Sessions begin in September, October, January, and March.
3 Daytime and evening sessions are scheduled each week. Patrons may sign up for the time of their choice, however each group is limited to 15 children.
4 Stories are presented through books, flannelboards, puppets, and props. Fingerplays, songs, crafts, and other learning activities may be included.
D. Young Readers Enrichment Programming.
1. Children age 5 and enrolled in Kindergarten through age 9 may attend.
2. Weekly 40 minutes sessions lasting 3 consecutive weeks are offered six times a year. Sessions will be offered on Saturdays on a flexible schedule throughout the school year.
3. Group size is limited to 15 children.
4. Stories, poems, snacks, art projects, and other learning activities are included.
E. PAWS To Read
1. Children in grades K and up may participate.
2. Once a month, 20 minute read aloud sessions are offered with registered therapy dogs provided by K-9s for Compassion.
3. A minimum of 9 reading slots will be available each month, with more available
as demand requires and based upon availability of dogs.
F. Tween Programming
1. Children ages 10-12 may participate.
2. Programs will be offered on a flexible schedule throughout the school year.
3. Programs will be held after school and group size will vary, depending upon the
actual program being presented.
4. A variety of programs will be offered, based upon interest. Programs may include
book discussion, creative expression, movies, and assisting with library activities.
G. Family Nights
5. Family members of all ages may attend. All children must be accompanied by at least
1 parent or adult caregiver.
6. Sessions are offered once each month, September through April. Each program lasts
30 – 45 minutes.
7. Group size is limited to 20 families.
8. Stories, poems, songs, crafts, games, and other activities may be included.
H. Summer Reading Program
1. Children ages 2 – 12 may participate.
2. Summer Reading consists of a 6 week series of reading motivational activities, including crafts, give-aways, contests, and games; as well as listing and informal discussion on books read.
3. Weekly Summer Reading activities are offered on a drop-in, sign-in basis. Children’s Room staff members interact with each child individually. There is no limit to the number of participants. Summer reading activities are scheduled as many days and hours as sufficient staff are available to accommodate patrons. One day each week (generally Friday) is reserved for staff to devote time to other job duties, as well as allowing for scheduled days off.
4. There is no limit to the number of participants.
I . Group/Class Visits to the Library.
1. Hubbard preschool and elementary school classes, home schooling groups, brownie and
Scout troops, or other groups may schedule annual visits to the library.
2. Requests for visits will be accommodated as library staff schedules and other library
program schedules allow.
3. Visits may include storytelling, instruction on library use, or computer use time. An opportunity for library card registration and time to select and check out library materials is also included.
J. Passive Programs
1. Passive programs including art cart projects and brain teaser games will be offered on
a flexible schedule throughout the year.