The Youth Services Department is housed on the second floor of the Main Library.
We strive for a fun learning environment for kids, parents, teachers and caregivers while providing materials and programming for children's educational and emotional needs. To this end our collection includes:
- Juvenile fiction and non-fiction Preschool-5th grade (J)
- Young People's fiction and non-fiction 6th-8th grades (YPL)
- Young Adult fiction and non-fiction 9th-12th grades (YA)
- Kid Concerns (social issues)
- Reference materials
- International Collection
- Non-print items
- Magazines
- Paperbacks and Board Books
- Caldecott and Newbery Award winners
Programs
The Youth Services Department offers programs for a variety of age groups. Check Kid Events each month for children's events at each branch. The Summer Reading program is held annually for the whole family.
Summer Reading
Peoria Public Library celebrated its 60th anniversary of Summer Reading in 2006. This annual 7 week program gives families the opportunity to read and participate together. Reading through the summer helps children maintain and improve reading skills and encourages lifelong readers and library users. Those who read and record their hours for five of the seven weeks will be invited to the Summer Reading party at the end of the program and become eligible for grand prizes awarded at the party.
Computers
The Youth Services Department has three computers available for use of children up to the age of 14. The first of these allows Internet access, word processing, and games. This computer requires that a child has an Internet Registration and User Agreement form signed by a parent on file and has their library card present. Two computers are equipped with different games each day. No library card is required to sign up for a thirty minute session on these computers. There is also a computer with card catalog capabilities available to all patrons. Wireless internet is accessible throughout the library.
Tours
The Youth Services Department is pleased to schedule tours for daycares, schools, scout troops and other groups. Tours for preschool-2nd grade generally include a story time and a lesson on book care and library manners but can include a tour of the department. Tours for older children include the Youth Services department as well as the other departments and focus on how to use the library and its resources. This service can be tailored to fit the needs of a group. Call 497-2143 at least a week in advance to schedule a tour.
Children's Literature
The Youth Services Department can be a great resource for Children's Literature students. There are a number of resources that can be helpful, such as Something About the Author and the Children's Literature Review. Our collection includes a wide variety of materials for children birth through eighth grade to fulfill Children's Literature requirements. Spine labels will help you locate different genres and award winners. Classes are welcome to tour the department as well as use our resources.
