CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND “DIVE INTO READING” EARLY LITERACY CENTER

Children’s Services, located in the Carnegie Wing of the Library, has been renovated to include interactive learning stations to facilitate early literacy development through play. The focus of the Early Literacy Center is to offer an exciting opportunity for preschoolers to be engaged with the learning process and have fun at the same time. There is a lit activity table, train table, and a ‘fishing pond.’

The following foundations generously provided support for this project: The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, The Frost- Parker Foundation, The Mylander Foundation, The Sam S. and Rose Stein Foundation, and the Erie County Foundations’ Council of The Erie County Community Foundation.

FAMILY PLACE LIBRARY (insert logo with link)

In September 2015 Sandusky Library was designated a Family Place Library. Family Place Libraries™ must meet several criteria. To qualify a library must be a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support. New services at Sandusky Library contributing to our certification include offering family centered programs, having a Parent Collection, and providing interactive play opportunities in Children’s Services.

Every Child Ready to Read is an early literacy program aimed at encouraging parents to engage in literacy-based activities with their children. Click here for our Six Steps to Getting Your Child Ready to Read handout!

YOUTH COMPUTERS

One of Sandusky Library’s most important roles has been helping children and their parents with school assignments. The Youth Lab features eight computers and study tables.

FAMILY COMPUTER CENTER

Our Family Computer Center is where parents can use a computer while their younger child uses one as well. This area features four computers for adults and two AWE Stations for children.

BABY GARDEN

Baby Garden builds the skill of playing for the youngest child. Unstructured play allows children to learn about language and think symbolically, which helps them get started on the path to reading readiness. The Baby Garden also encourages parents and caregivers to take an active part in play with their child. The Baby Garden was supported with a generous grant from The Mylander Foundation.

TOYBRARY

The TOYbrary was created to allow children to learn and explore through PLAY. Each toy was carefully selected based upon its functionality and educational features. Some have won awards, others contain your child’s favorite character, and many are great for children with special needs. All toys fall into a category and each of them helps children learn a variety of essential skills.

Use our TOYbrary catalog as a guide to selecting the perfect fit for your child. Stop by the Children’s Services Desk to browse our catalog or visit our website at www.sanduskylib.org to view our online TOYbrary catalog.

PLAYAWAY LAUNCHPADS

Launchpads are tablets that are pre-loaded with age-appropriate educational apps and games for children ages 3-10 years old. Each tablet is self-contained and an internet connection is not required. Launchpads were provided with a generous grant the Erie County Community Foundation.

PARENTING PACKS

Parenting Packs center around a specific theme, child development topic, or event occurring in the home and features books for children and their caregivers and toys that relate to the theme. Some of the themes include manners, a new baby in the family, and a hospital stay. Parenting Packs were provided with a generous grant from The Mylander Foundation.

STEAM MATERIALS

The Library has purchased STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) materials to use during programs. Some of these items include Keva Planks, Snap Circuits, Little Bits, Makey Makeys, and more! STEAM materials were provided with a generous grant from the Erie County Community Foundation.

IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60-volume set of books beginning with the children’s classic book The Little Engine That Could™. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT! Thanks to funding from the Kiwanis Club of Sandusky, in partnership with the Library and the Erie County Community Foundation, there is no cost to you.

Click Here for the Registration Form and for more information. You may print the Registration Form and bring it to the Library or you can register online at www.imaginationlibrary.com.

PAGES AND PUPS

Pages and Pups is held once a month in Children’s Services. Children can practice reading and choose books to take home. They can also read their favorite stories aloud to a Therapy Dog! (suggested for students in K-3rd grade). If you have a child who could benefit from this program or you would like to volunteer, call the Library.

WELCOME BABY PACKETS

The Welcome Baby program provides books to newborns at Firelands Regional Medical Center. Each child receives a first book to take home. Parents are given information about the importance of reading at an early age with information about services and programs available at the Library.

Rotary Club of Sandusky partners with the Library to fund this project with a matching grant from Rotary International District 6600 and local club sponsorship. Rotarians provide volunteer assistance and hospital staff distribute the books.

SERVICES TO TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS

It is our hope that you will utilize our facility to its fullest extent. Call us to schedule a tour (two weeks in advance is preferred). Our goal is to provide library services and resources for children from birth through adult years. We also assist parents, teachers, and others who work with children to find appropriate educational and recreational materials. Our staff welcomes questions and requests for services in person or by phone at 419-625-3834.

AT THE FOLLETT HOUSE MUSEUM

• • Tours (Can be a general tour or prepared to complement a specific lesson plan or topic. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance.)

   

  • Suitcase Museums (Speakers on local history topics which are tailored to the age and educational development of your students. These presentations are presented at your site. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance.)