Children's Services
The Independence Public Library Board and Staff believe that children are our future and have a strong desire to instill a love of reading and learning in children. We would love for children to identify the library as a place to find great reading materials, find answers to questions, meet with others their age, and to go to programs of all kinds.
Flutterby Cove
Children have a special area in the library called Flutterby Cove. It is a fun, bright area where kids can choose to walk in the big door or the little door. This area is used for browsing materials, story times, using you imagination, and reading with parents/guardians.
Computers
While in the library, children ages 5 and up who have a library card can use the library computers.
Early Literacy Computers
While in the library, children ages 5 and up who have a library card can use the library computers.
The library has 3 early literacy computers that any child may use...just ask at the desk. They are for children 2-8, have a touch-screen and special keyboard, and more than 50 educational programs for early learning!
Children's Materials
The library offers children's materials in several formats and age groupings.
Available to Checkout & Take Home
- Beginning readers
- Board books
- Bundles2Go
- Chapter books
- Easy non-fiction
- Non-fiction
- Picture books
- Just Right Books
- Magazines
- Audio books
- VOX Books
- DVDs
- STEM backpacks
Bundles2Go
Find bundles about apples, pink, dogs, trucks, and more! These are a grouping of 5 books, all with the same theme. Library staff have chosen picture books and bundles could have non-fiction books included as well. When you are in a hurry, just grab a Bundle2Go.
Just Right Books Section
Just Right Books are leveled using the same system as the local schools, and the books are organized from A - P with the easiest books starting in the As. These are ideal for emergent and beginning readers and can be found at exactly the right level to promote successful and encouraging reading experiences.
STEM Backpacks
There are three activity backpacks available to check out - Building Challenge, Coding Fun, and Pattern Puzzles. These have been provided by Iowa Public Television! Fun and learning - conveniently available in a backpack for checkout.
VOX Books
Print book, meet audio book. The permanently attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There's no need for computers, tablets, or CDs. Simply push a button to listen and read.Available to Checkout for Use at the Library
- Puzzles - Ask for the puzzle book at the desk. You can browse through the pictures of each puzzle to choose which you would like to check out.
- Art Kits
- Legos
Programs
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Read to your child to build a foundation for success! The library will help you with 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, a program that will help you keep track of how many books you've read to your baby, toddler, or preschooler, and has fun incentives or prizes when you reach milestone levels like 100, 200, 300, etc. Find out more here.
Story Time
- 9:30 a.m.
- Thursdays
- Babies to 6-year olds
Be ready for developmentally appropriate activities that will help lay the groundwork for reading readiness. It will be a chance for your child to begin to develop large and small motor coordination, language, and listening skills.