Take advantage of all the free library resources and services we provide. Planning a field trip to the Library, or want your students to learn research skills? Use our form to request a special visit to the library. Let us know how we can best assist you and your children!
- Advice for Adults Bringing Children to the Library
- Planning Your Preschool Field Trip to the Library
- Children's Department Treasure Hunt
Special Services
childref [at] mcpl.info (Ask a Children's Librarian)
childref [at] mcpl.info
Email us with questions about or requests for materials for children, or programs provided by Children's Services.
Every Child Ready to Read
Read, Talk, Sing, Write and Play with your child! Learn how parents and teachers can help develop early literacy skills in young children and prepare them for learning to read.
First Theater Experiences
The Library partners with several community organizations to provide a first theater experience for young audiences. Check our calendar for upcoming performances in the Library. To help prepare children for attending a live performance, see our handout: What to Expect When You See a Play.
Homework Help for Children in Grades K-6
Find books and online resources to help meet your child's educational needs.
Learn and Play Space
Learn about this room designed especially for children, ages 0-6 and find out how to Prepare for Your Visit to the LAPS.
Request a Closed Reserve Collection
We can set aside materials for your class to use in the library.
Schedule a Special Library Visit or Research Instruction
With advance notice, a librarian can provide a special storytime for your group, or teach your students search skills and how to find materials in the library.
Informational Resources
Helping Your School-Age Child with Reading
Homeschooling
- Homeschool Information from the Indiana Dept. of Education
- Local Schools and Agencies for Parents (and parents-to-be)
- Local Youth Organizations
- Resources for Early Childhood Educators
Special Collections
- Juvenile Book Club Kits
Kits contain 8 copies of a title, discussion questions, and enrichment materials.
- Storytime Kits
Each themed kit includes 4–5 picture books, 1 oversized "Big Book" edition of a picture book, puppets, foam magnetic letters to reinforce learning letter shapes, and an activity card with suggested rhymes and strategies for using the contents.
Learning and Playing at Home
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Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense Media, an educational organization dedicated to helping children and families make good media choices and become smart, safe users of online resources. Wide Open School offers resources that can be completed offline and on smartphones, as well as bilingual and English-language learner resources.
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PBS Learning Media: PBS has a long and respected history of developing educational programming and materials for children. This site organizes educational materials and activities by grade level (Pre K–Grade 12) and subject matter, syncs with Google Classroom and includes Spanish Language content. See also the PBS Parents site which features a way to search for activities by age level and topic.
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Scholastic Learn at Home: One of the leading publishers of educational materials for children, Scholastic compiles day-by-day activities here to “keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.” Browse for materials by grade level (including pre-K) and find additional resources for parents.
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Khan Academy: Since it was founded more than a decade ago, Khan Academy has been dedicated to providing “a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.” In response to COVID-19, Khan Academy has organized its materials to provide daily schedules for students, ages 2–18 and remote learning resources. While all the content is free, Khan Academy does ask that you create an account, and download some resources for children.