Indiana Free Library

The Children’s Department is conveniently located on the lower level of the library. Materials, including books, video tapes, DVDs and music CDs have been selected to appeal to children from newborn to age 12. The library also offers age appropriate programs throughout the year. In addition to Lapsits, Toddler Time, and Storytime, and Stories With Tom, special programs will be scheduled.

Check out kid's programs on the Event Calendar!. >>

Lapsits:Lapsits are offered to babies 0 to 18 months old. Parents sit with their baby and listen to and participate in stories. This is a great way to form a bond with your child.

Toddler Time: Toddler time is suited to children from 18 months to 3 years old. The parent and toddler will participate in the activities together. The activities include listening to stories, finger plays, puppet shows, games, and songs. A handout is given to parents each week with the fingerplays, songs and activites used in that week’s program. This way, parent and child can do similar activities when they are home.

Story Time: Story Time is offered to children between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Each program will include books, tell and draw stories, crafts, and many more activities designed for the preschool crowd. This gives the children a chance to socialize at a young age.

Stories with Tom: Intergenerational story time with retired teacher Tom Harris. Parents, grandparents, and children enjoy this interactive story time. Fingerplays, puppet shows and rhymes are often a part of this time together.

Kids Read:A program offered through IUP’s Office of Service Learning . IUP students tutor school-age children, grades 1-6, one on one, in reading. This program is offered throughout the school year.

Family Place Library: Family Place focuses on literacy, early childhood development, parent education, family support and community information. The core of Family Place is the Parent/Child Workshop. The workshop is unique. It focuses on both the parent and the child (ages 0-4), emphasizing the need for parental involvement in the child’s earliest learning experiences and stressing healthy mental development.

Reading Tips: Try to read with your child at least four times a week for about 15 – 20 minutes. Some children and parents like to read together after supper, while others enjoy reading just before bedtime. Set aside a special time so that reading together becomes a part of your routine. Also, praise your child while he or she is reading. Be specific when you praise by pointing out a particular word the child recognized, the way the child read with expression, the child’s answer to a question, and so forth.