Programs For Children
Children’s Department programs are geared for kids ages 10 and under. Most program descriptions include a recommended age range and note whether registration is needed or if the event is drop-in style. To register for programs, visit the Children’s Department in person or call us at extension 2.
Play & the Library
The Children’s Department understands play is the work of children. Play is how children learn. The library provides a safe and welcoming environment to support and encourage each child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. When the Children’s Program Room is not in use for a scheduled program or event such as Storytime or Lego Club, the space is available for Open Playtime. Adult caregivers are asked to remain in the program room with their child/children during Open Playtime. Library staff is NOT able to supervise children during this time.
Pretend Kitchen Set
Trains & Table
Magnetic Tiles
Super Sized Connect 4
DUPLO® Blocks
Mega Bloks®
Additional Ways to Play
Explore our collection of magnetic mazes and preschool puzzles at the library to strengthen fine motor skills, problem solving, and spatial awareness skills. Visit our dramatic play area in the Family Nook (theme rotates every few months!) to encourage imagination, creativity, language and socialization. The library has a collection of over 50 children’s puzzles that are able to be checked out with a library card.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
The objectives of the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten organization are to promote reading to newborns, infants and toddlers, and to encourage adult and child bonding through reading. According to 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, “Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success. Public formal education does not typically start until ages 5-6. Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple (read a book, any book to your child, with the goal of reading 1,000 before kindergarten) and very manageable endeavor.
Policy on Unattended Children
In all departments of the library, children under the age of 10 must always be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver over the age of 13. Parents/caregivers must remain in the building while their children (under the age of 10 years) are attending all organized library programs. If unattended children under the age of 10 are in the library, staff will attempt to contact the child’s parents or caregivers. If this is not accomplished, the police may be called to assist in the situation.
Children Computers and Internet Use at the Library
The computers in the JMS Children’s Department are available to children 13 years of age and younger, regardless of whether or not they have a library card. Library staff does NOT monitor any child’s individual use. The Children’s Department of the JMS Library reminds parents that it is the parents who are ultimately responsible for deciding if and how their children will use the Internet in the public library. Computer use is considered the same as reading a book or magazine or using the Reference collection. As such, parents cannot ask the library to block their children from using the computers when they are not present. Though there is filtering on the computers, it is by no means perfect. Parents concerned about their children’s internet use should be present when their child is using the library computers. Again, library staff does not monitor each child’s individual use.
