Kids collections and programs
Children’s New Arrivals
Collections
Children’s Collections: Our Children’s books are divided into several categories to help you find the perfect book. The Easy (E) picture book collection (yellow circles) is for children up to third grade. It is further divided to help you select the perfect book at the right age and reading level. There are board books (EBB) for toddlers, (ER) for beginning readers, and (ENF) is easy information books.
We have the 2024-25 BUILDING BLOCK nominated books for preschoolers- Kindergarten which is selected by the Missouri Library Association. These books will be featured in the fall storytime sessions. SEE BELOW
The Juvenile (JF) chapter book collection (blue circles) is for children in grades 3-6 or whoever reads at that level. It is further divided into (JR) for easy chapter books and (JNF) for non-fiction or information books.
We have 2024-2025 SHOW ME (Grades 1-3) and MARK TWAIN Award (Grades 4-6) nominated books available in the Easy (Show Me) and Juvenile (Mark Twain) sections of the library. Missouri School Librarians have nominated these books for students to read and vote for their favorite in March 2021. SEE BELOW
Media Collections: Titles of interest to children in DVD format are housed in the general media collection. There is a small collection of audiobooks with a printed book and CD in the easy department.
Children’s Computers
The library has 5 early literacy stations that provide educational games appropriate for pre-readers and beginning readers. One of the stations is bi-lingual (English and Spanish) and all are located in the children’s area. It's a popular spot!
Listen to a Story
Listen to an actor or actress read a story while you watch the pictures at Story Line Online from the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.
Online Children’s Resources
Parent Resources
Help for parents in teaching reading: Reading Rockets
Programming for Children
We encourage parents and caregivers to bring their children to the library to check out books, use computers, and enjoy the Early Literacy Center. Watch here for future programming information.
Preschool Storytime: Join us every Wednesday at 10:30 for our Preschool Storytime. This is a time of reading, music, and movement, and normally either a science or craft activity. This Storytime is geared towards children ages 2-5.
Early Literacy Activity Center
The partnership between the library and Head Start has created an inviting space for young children and parents to interact and learn. The room is open during library hours for anyone in Moniteau County to use for free. All you have to do is register. It is also being used for babies and toddlers during Storytimes and Summer Reading Club.
The library promotes early literacy by promoting interaction between young children and parents or caregivers. The goal is to help prepare them to be ready to read when they are ready for school.
This is based on the “Racing to Read” Early Literacy 5 main AREAS OF EMPHASIS:
LOVE BOOKS—Build print awareness, build vocabulary & learn letters
SING & RHYME—Play with sounds, songs, & rhymes
TELL STORIES– Build narrative skills by creating stories & play make-believe. Your child is the storyteller.
TALK & READ– Explore lots of words and encourage talking
PLAY with LETTERS– Find print everywhere. Trace letters.
Watching others enjoy reading, taking your child to the library to choose books, and spending time reading together will help your child to develop a positive attitude about learning.
Building Block Nominees 2024-2025
I Was Born a Baby By: Meg Fleming
Mr. Kitty is Lost! By: Greg Pizzzoli
Problem Solved! By: Jan Thomas
A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree by: Daniel Bernstromm
Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! By: Sandra Boynton
NO Is All I Know! By: Chris Grabenstein
A Good Place By: Lucy Cousins
My Dad is a Tree By: John Agee
I Am Stuck By: Julia Mills
The Best Bad Day Ever By: Marianna Coppo
Show Me Readers Nominees 2024-2025
Acorn Was a Little Wild By: Jen Arena
Creepy Crayons By: Aaron Reynolds
Every Dog in the Neighborhood By: Philip C. Stead
Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates By: Cheryl B. Klein
Little Red and the Big Bad Editor By: Rebecca Kraft Rector
Marvelous Mabel By: Crystal Hubbard
Pink Is Not a Color By: Lindsay Ward
Rick the Rock of Room 214 By: Julie Falatko
The Library Fish By: Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Yetis Are the Worst! By: Alex Wilan
Mark Twain Award Nominees 2024-2025
A Rover’s Story By: Jasmine Warga
Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe By: Alyson Noel
Freestyle By: Gale Galligan
Hummingbird By: Natalie Lloyd
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance By: Lisa Yee
Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting By: Roseanne A. Brown
The Curious League of Detectives & Thieves By: Tom Phillips
The Daredevils By: Rob Buyea
The Girl in the Lake By: India Hill Brown
The Midnight Children By: Dan Gemeinhart
The Two Wrong Halves of Ruby Taylor By: Amanda Panitch
Thirst By: Varsha Bajaj