147 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864 | 978-664-4942
YOUTH
Welcome to the library’s Youth Services!
Tucked under the eaves on the fourth floor, the Children’s room has something for all ages. From reference books for your school papers, to the latest bestseller, there is a book for you. On a rainy day come by and play at our train table or kitchen, color a picture, or create a puppet show. Find a movie to enjoy with the whole family. Our friendly staff is here to help.
Our Teen corner is located on the first floor of the library and is a space just for older kids with books, graphic novels, four dedicated computers and reference items just for 6th-12th graders. Come on in and browse our collection.
Is there a book or movie you would like to see on our shelves? We would love to hear from you! Fill out this form and let us know.
Book Bundles – Our book bundles are geared toward children aged infant to 11(ish). List your child’s age and interests, and receive 5 books per child. Request a bundle today!
Just Right Books – Our Just Right book program is geared toward older elementary students looking for an independent reading book for homework. This form is suitable for children to fill out on their own, or for a caretaker to fill out on their behalf. List your age, reading comfort level and interests and receive one Just Right book. Request one here!
YA Quick Picks – Our YA Quick Picks are designed for students in Grade 6 through 12, and adults who enjoy the Young Adult genre. List your grade level and interests, and receive three books per person. Request a bundle now!
Scroll down for the latest news, events & more!
Would you like to volunteer in the Children’s Room?
Please contact our Head of Youth Services Danielle Masterson by filling out this form! Thank you!
The volunteer program at the library is currently suspended due to COVID-19.
Overdrive / Libby – Just for kids! All you need is your library card.
Hoopla – eBooks, audio books, movies and music always available with no wait
Beanstack — the library’s reading tracking software — is available on the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and online. Beanstack has a built-in stop watch and it will help you keep track of your own minutes! Ongoing, year-round challenges are here!
Research & Homework
Explore the world – all with the help of your library card! Access databases full of books, magazines and other texts by clicking the links below.
Wondropolis – Questions submitted by kids, answered by experts
Fact Monster – Let Frank the Fact Monster help you with your homework or just give you some information you may not already know! Also games and trivia.
Please join us for storytime three times a week! Each session is geared toward a specific age group and features literacy activities, stories and songs. Check the calendar for the schedule and register for each session. There is normally a two-week break in between sessions for planning purposes.
Mondays, 10 a.m. – ages 1 and 2 – a mix of traditional storytime plus Mother Goose on the Loose with Ms. Danielle. Play with instruments, learn rhymes, sing songs and more!
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – ages 3 and 4 – traditional storytime and a craft with Ms. Janice.
Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – ages infant and 1 – a mix of traditional storytime plus Mother Goose on the Loose with Ms. Danielle. Play with instruments, learn rhymes, bond with baby and more!
Free Music!
Your library doesn’t just get you books, it now gets you free music. Download the Freegal Music app on your iPhone or Android. If you’d rather use your computer, click here. You’ll be asked to enter your zip code and choose your library. Enter your full library card number and from there, you’ll be able to download five songs per week and stream three hours of music a day.
Drop-in Craft:
Our monthly craft sessions are held on the third Wednesday of the month between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. No registration needed.
Lego Club:
Our popular Lego Club will be held on the first Friday of every month.
Looking for a Newbery or Caldecott book?
Not sure what to read next?
Check out our NoveList page. Enter information on what you like to read and see what it recommends! (You will need your library card to access this resource.)
Wishlist
Do you want to help the Youth Services Department? The Children’s Room is graciously accepting donations of any kind. We would love to accept a donation from you and your family. We would acknowledge your donation publicly and with a placard. Please contact Head of Youth Services Danielle Masterson if you would like to discuss a specific donation! We are so appreciative of all donations!