Virtual learning & fun for early learners: Songs to set a mood

Kids dancing with music notes

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Songs are powerful! When we plan our storytime classes, we organize them to build energy and then calm kids down before we send them back on their way. When we want to build energy, we do a lot of movement songs and silly songs, and then choose quieter songs to … Read more

Fun with sounds: Videos, activities, books & music for early learners

Miss Shelley reading a book

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Miss Jenny and I both love building fun sounds into our storytimes and our videos. Sounds, especially unexpected ones, get and keep everyone’s interest and attention. Will your preschooler understand you if you give them directions using inflections and gestures but only mooing? Yes, probably! And they might even focus … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Math

Mr. Luis and Honor

Math. Did you just shudder? Or grin? Most people have a strong reaction to math, one way or the other.  When I was growing up, one of my absolute must see shows was Square One TV on PBS. I was definitely a book person over a math person, but I was obsessed with this show. … Read more

Sing, sing a song: Videos & activities for early learners

Miss Jenny and Ruthie the Camel

By Shelley Harris, Children’s Librarian Mr. Andy, one of our past librarians, always used to tell caregivers that he could remember the words to “Sweet Caroline” much better than he could remember how to use and program his remote control. Does that feel familiar? Things set to song are easier to remember! If you have … Read more

Virtual learning & fun for early learners: Whoosh, bang, boom

Toddler singing

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris When we think about talking with our smallest kids, there are so many sounds involved: animal sounds, choo choo sounds, airplane sounds. These may feel like small things, but they’re important—the sounds we make with our kids are the building blocks of words. Being able to hear and practice those … Read more

Our favorite resources for digital picture books

Family with baby looking at laptop

Searching for good picture books online? Here are some of our favorite digital resources! Your digital library Babybug & Cricket on Flipster: Find stories just for kids in two award-winning magazines. Hoopla: Easy to navigate and use, the app offers educational and fun options for young readers of all ages. Media on Demand & Libby: From … Read more

Raising kids? Top 5 reasons you need your library

Kids at 2018 Code Fest

Know someone without a card? Help us spread the word! Learn more about getting and using your card » #1: You get to say yes more! No late fines and automatic renewals? Go ahead, get all the books, music, and movies you can carry—and then some. With each library card, you can check out up to 200 … Read more