Kid’s Collection
Kid’s Collections
Fiction Collection
Our children’s fiction collection includes picture books (E), easy readers (ER) for K-2nd grade reading levels, and juvenile fiction (J) for 2nd-5th grade reading levels.
Non-fiction Collection
What iceberg sank the Titanic? Who found a dinosaur in Montana? How do you say hello in Tahiti? Need a science fair project? Want to train your puppy or grow rice in your backyard? Answers to these questions and more can be found in our extensive collection of children’s print non-fiction.
Magazine Collection
Our children’s magazine collection includes a number of magazines of special interest to children, parents, caregivers and teachers, including such titles as: American Girl, LadyBug, National Geographic Kids, Practical Homeschooling, Ranger Rick, and Zoobooks.
Audiovisual and Electronic Resources
Children’s audiobooks are available for loan in both CD and Playaway format. We also offer Playaway bookpacks (which include a mini-collection of titles in both audio and print format), Playaway View all-in-one video players, Playaway Launchpad pre-loaded tablets, and Wonderbooks.
Music Collection
From Laurie Berkner to Raffi, our children’s music collection includes CDs by all your favorite children’s musical artists.
“You can check THAT out at the library?!?” Collection
The children’s room maintains a collection of themed cake pans, all available to loan. The children’s room also loans out a collection of toys and puppets, including an American Girl doll, and “STEAM to Go” kits.
Award Winning Collections
The library owns many of the award winning Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal books. In 1921, the first Newbery Medal was awarded to an author for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. In 1938, the first Caldecott Medal was awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Both of these awards are given out annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. Look here for a complete list of the Caldecott Medal Winners and the Newbery Medal Winners.
The library also owns many of the Coretta Scott King Award winners. The award has been presented annually since 1970 to an African American author and an African American illustrator for an outstandingly inspirational and educational contribution. The award commemorates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honors Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. Look here for a complete list of Coretta Scott King Award Winners.
The library also owns many of the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award winners. The award is given annually to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition for her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults. Look here for a complete list of nominated titles.
The library’s collection also includes the Monarch Award winners. The Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Children’s Choice Award is given annually to the author and/or illustrator chosen by Illinois school children in grades Kindergarten to 3rd grade. The Monarch Award is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators. Look here for the complete list of the Monarch Award nominees.