Children's Services

The Rock Island Library's Children's Department offers thousands of resources for kids from birth through 6th grades.  See below for just a few of the great titles your child could be enjoying right now. For more, see our Good Reads for Kids page, or ask a Children's Librarian for ideas!

Visit us at our Main Library Children's Room, which offers puzzles and special collections for parent/teachers and homeschoolers, or check the children's areas at our 30/31 and Southwest Branches for more great resources for your child.

Storytimes and Early Learning

The Rock Island Public Library believes that every child should be ready to read! That's why we offer a wide range of early learning activities for ages birth to five throughout the year. Activities include weekly storytimes as well as our annual "Hug-A-Book" book program and book giveaway event. Hug-A-Book is sponsored by the Merryl Harris fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.  

Storytimes are offered in sessions around the year. Pick up a schedule at any Rock Island Library, check our online calendar, or call the Children's Department at 309-732-7360. Storytimes are a great way to build memories with your child - and start a life-long love of reading! 

Early Learning: From the Early Literacy Station pre-loaded with great learning games to learning kits to other teaching tools, your library is THE place to build the early learning skills that will give your child a great start. Ask a Children's Librarian for help picking great books, resources and programs to help your child learn!

Visit us for a wide variety of special programming  throughout the year. Your children's library offers fun and learning for ages from birth through 6th grades! 

Good Reads for Kids

Need ideas on great reading for your kids? Ask a librarian!

There's always something GREAT to read in our Children's collection.

Special Programs

The Rock Island Public Library sponsors a wide number of annual events designed to help your child love to read!

Winter Reading- A 6-week reading program held in January and February to encourage reading, promote library resources and library use.  Ages pre-k-6th grade

Spring and Fall Intersession programming - Free events at your library when Rock Island/Milan Schools are on break. We also offer Friday Fests on early dismissal Fridays.

Summer Reading- An 8-week reading program held in June and July to encourage reading, promote library resources and the arts.    Ages pre-K-6th grade.

El Dia de los ninos/el dia de los libros- A celebration of children, books, libraries and culture.  Held in April or May.  Ages pre-k-6th grade. 

Hug-A-Book- A special program designed for families of children ages 2-5.  Promotes reading, libraries and activities.  Each child receives a free book.  Held in August.  Sponsored by the Merrill Harris Memorial of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

In addition, our Children's Library is available for special tours or school events by appointment.

For more details, call our Children's Library at 309-732-7360.

E-Resources for Children

Available at your library: 

Early Literacy Stations - Special PC learning stations with pre-loaded learning games designed for the needs of very young children. Look for them in the Children's Areas of your Main and Southwest Branch Libraries.

Available online via this website: 

Grolier Online encyclopedias: 

Learning Express Library: Free practice tests available for kids in basic skills and more.

Scholastic BookFlix: Read-along e-books for children that support reading practice, even among reluctant readers.

Tumblebooks- Animated books for children to practice reading.  Click here to start reading

 

Computer Policies for Children

Children 12 years and younger must use the designated computers in the Children's Room, with the same time limits and requirements as adults. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for valid homework needs.

Children must use a valid library card to gain access. Sharing of cards or numbers is not allowed. Computer privileges may be restricted for those who violate these guidelines.  

For more, please see the Library's Internet Policy, which is posted below as a PDF.

Parent/Teacher & Homeschooling Resources

Parents are a child's first teacher!

For help, visit our Main Library Children's Room. We offer a designated bookshelf just for materials of interest to Parent/Teachers and Homeschooling. 

Materials include kits, themed materials, and language learning.   

Materials check out for three weeks, with renewal available in person, by phone or online.

 Popular Materials

 

Internet Safety

These sites offer internet safety tips for children, parents and caregivers.