How Do I
Library Programs for Children
and Their Families
For Babies & Toddlers
Baby Lapsit Programs
Designed for the youngest library users and their parents or caregivers, Baby Lapsit Programs offer children birth to 18 months and their parents or caregivers a chance to share time together at the library. During the 20 to 30 minute programs, babies and their grownups will be exposed to language, books and playful activities in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Baby Lapsit Programs are a great way to introduce young children to the library, to begin a lifetime of regular library visits and to help children develop into lifelong library users! Child care providers who are interested in scheduling Baby Lapsits or other programs at their site or at the library should contact their neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.
Toddler Storytimes
Toddler Storytimes are programs for children 18 to 36 months and their parents or caregivers. These 20 to 30 minute programs build on the Baby Lapsit experience by providing books and stories with more language, simple storylines and predictable plots. While spending this time together, children and their grownups are encouraged to become actively involved in the stories and to participate in fingerplay and song activities. Toddler Storytimes encourage parents and toddlers to begin regular visits to the library and to develop into lifelong library users. Join us for this fun introduction to the library experience! Child care providers who are interested in scheduling Toddler Storytimes or other programs at their site or at the library should contact their neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.
Family PlayShop
The Family PlayShop is a one-on-one program for children ages 6 months to 4 years and their parents/guardians. Brothers and sisters under the age of 5 are welcome. This four to five week, one hour program involves a librarian and a community resource professional to answer informal questions about your child and provide materials. A special room or area is arranged with developmentally appropriate toys and activities, providing an inviting and inclusive environment for young children and their parents/guardians.
The Family PlayShop combines early childhood education, parent support, and innovative library services in an exciting and attractive program. This program supports the infants-toddlers PA Learning Standards for Early Childhood and also serves as a recreational and social vehicle for families with very young children. The overall goal of the Family PlayShop is to develop a family-centered environment in public libraries. It is designed to expand library services for families and children and to integrate library services into local efforts to build family-centered communities.
Return to the topFor Preschoolers
Preschool Storytimes
Intended for preschool and kindergarten aged children from 3 to 5 with their parents or caregivers, Preschool Storytimes make use of stories and activities to encourage children along a lifelong path of reading and learning. These 30 to 40 minute programs are designed to develop and improve children's language and listening skills, expand their imaginations, improve their self-image and arouse their curiosity about the world around them. Preschool Storytimes are a fun and instructive way for kids and grownups to share time together at the library! Child care providers who are interested in scheduling Preschool Storytimes at their site or at the library should contact their neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.
KinderPrep
KinderPrep is a series of programs intended for children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2008. During these nine hour-long sessions, children's skills will be highlighted through stories, songs, and crafts that support the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards. These involve different approaches to learning, creative arts, language and literacy concerns, logical and mathematical skills, personal and social skills, physical and health-related habits, science, social studies, and contacts within the community that will help the family connect with their anticipated Kindergarten.
Every child is a unique individual and learns differently and each session will focus on a different Multiple Intelligence: musical, spatial, linguistic, logical, intrapersonal, kinesthetic, naturalist, and interpersonal. Literacy Standards, as recommended by the American Library Association, will also be featured each week and will prepare the child for developing reading competencies.
KinderPrep is a fun, interactive way for children, parents, and caregivers to prepare for the first year of school! This exciting program is offered at the Main Library in Oakland as well as in Carrick, Hazelwood, Homewood, South Side, Squirrel Hill, and the Woods Run Branches. Call and ask for details!
For School-Age Kids
School-Age Programs
School-Age Programs are designed to offer elementary and middle school students a variety of literature- and activity-based experiences. Programs vary by location, and may include holiday programs, Stories in Art, Nature Detectives, science programs, craft programs, game and activity programs, programs that bring in outside speakers and performers and more. These 30 to 60 minute programs are intended to connect children with books and to encourage children to use the library regularly. Elementary and middle school teachers or group leaders who are interested in scheduling programs at their site or at the library should contact their neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.
Technology Programs
Geared toward elementary and middle school children and their parents or caregivers, these 30 to 60 minute programs are designed to introduce children and families to the World Wide Web and to help them stay safe as they navigate through the exciting world of modern technology. Technology programs at the library focus on exploring the Web in a safe and fun way by exposing children to the best kids' web sites available and encouraging participants to follow a core set of rules for staying safe on the Internet. Elementary and middle school teachers or group leaders who are interested in scheduling these programs at their site or at the library should contact their neighborhood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for more information.
Family Programs
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Upcoming Family Programs
Family Programs at the library include a variety of activities designed to engage every member of the family from baby to adult. Family Programs vary by location and may include Pajama Storytimes, Saturday Family Storytimes, Super Sundays, multigenerational programs, craft programs and more! Typically lasting 30-60 minutes, these programs give families the opportunity to benefit from a shared library experience by encouraging them to participate in stories, fingerplays, songs, and other activities together.
