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The Children's Library
One of the library's greatest assets, the Children's Library is a large, inviting, childproof space on the first floor. It houses thousands of books at all children's reading levels, from board books to juvenile fiction and non-fiction. It also features an outstanding collection of Caldecott and Newberry Medal award-winning books as well as audiobooks to check out.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or at (931) 648-8826 ext. 61413.
List of Children's Programming
Baby and Me Storytime
This program is designed for infants from birth up until they begin walking. This program brings caregivers and infants together in the library and offers them an opportunity to enjoy a special sharing time together promoting and modeling early literacy. Infants sit on their parent’s lap and interact with them while enjoying songs, music, bounce rhymes, play rhymes, free play and books designed with babies in mind! Other ages are welcomed.
Toddler Storytime
This program is designed for toddlers that are walking and under the age of two. This program allows toddlers to explore language and books with their caregivers in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs, circle games and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. Please note: We provide age appropriate programming, however other ages are welcomed.
Busy Bees for 2’s and 3’s program
This program is designed for children ages 2 and 3 years old, to be an interactive program for parent and child. It is important that the child stay on their parent’s or care giver’s lap, or cuddled near them during the program. Books with brightly colored pictures, songs, finger plays, and music are used to make this time as rewarding and instructive as possible. Please note: We provide age appropriate programming, however other ages are welcomed.
Just for Me 4’s and 5’s
This program is designed for children ages 4 and 5 years old. We incorporate the use of music and movement as well as offering the best in children’s books and storytelling. We have a craft or an art activity as part of this program. To help create an independent learning experience, children are asked to attend this program alone, while the parent or care giver waits in the Children’s Library. Also, parents are welcome to join during the craft or art activity.
Family Story Time programs
This program features stories centered on a specific theme that will cover a wide range of ages. Family story time programs are offered twice a week to ensure that families with children of multiple ages are given the opportunity to attend a library program with their children. Families with children of varied ages will find this program the ideal way to enjoy the library together.
Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library
This program is a parent education initiative. This training will provide the primary adults in a child’s life with information about the importance of early literacy and tips on how to nurture pre-reading skills at home. Children are welcome to attend with their parents. These programs are offered at various times throughout the year and are part of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association’s initiative, Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library.
Sensory Story Time
This program is geared for children who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload. We will use picture books, songs, movement, and a sensory activity to engage all five senses in learning. Sensory friendly aspects include using a visual schedule, balance cushions for seating, lowered sound, sensory fidgets and a small group size. Children will have the freedom to move around during the program. We end with open play time to provide opportunities to socialize for both children and parents. Pre-registration is preferred to help maintain an effective and engaging environment for the children during the program. Contact the children’s department to register, 931-648-8826 or email [email protected].
WHY DO WE HAVE PROGRAMS FOR DIFFERENT AGE RANGES?
While family programs are open to all ages, most programs have a suggested age range for admittance into the program. We follow the Developmentally Appropriate Programming (DAP) and use our experience with early childhood development to create programming that is suitable, stimulating, and appropriate for each age range of child development. As all of our programs require careful planning and development, we ask that parents consider following the age ranges suggested to each program so we can provide appropriate, quality programming. Establishing age ranges allows us to practice DAP within a format that works with our weekly repetition of programs, staffing, and record of high attendance. We recognize there are a variety of reasons why a parent may want a child to attend a program that is outside of their age range, but we adhere to the age ranges in order to maintain quality and fairness to all. Developmentally age appropriate programs are proven in research to help children succeed and we are committed to promoting literacy and educational development within our weekly early childhood programs. Further questions can be referred to the Library Assistant Director, Christina Reidel.
*Read more about Developmentally Appropriate Programming (DAP) by visiting the National Association for the Education of Young Children website at http://www.naeyc.org/DAP.