For Parents
Do everything you can to ensure your child is ready for school! Mid-Columbia Libraries provides excellent resources for you to enjoy with your child. We have books for all ages and reading levels, movies and cds, and fun, free programs for your whole family to enjoy.
For more information on what you can do help your child prepare for school check out our Ready to Read page.
Check out our Event Calendar to find out what is going on at your local Mid-Columbia Libraries branch.
Have you had a baby in the last year or are expecting? New parents are invited to join us for a community baby shower. Local organizations are on hand to help with any community resources you may need. These showers are offered numberous times throughout the year. The next baby shower will be at the Kennewick branch on September 21, 2011 from 6:30-8pm. Contact Youthservices@mcl-lib.org for more information.
Book Blog for Kids!
Need help finding a book for your kids? Check out our Book Blog for Kids! The monthly posts feature current book selections that your whole family will enjoy.
Want to View a Storytime Right Now?
Visit Barnes and Noble for their online storytime!
Read and Grow Theme Bags contain everything you need for an instant storytime. Each one focuses on a theme appropriate for children 0-5 years old and contains books, a music or video CD/DVD, a storytime extender through play, and a set of activity ideas. We have a number of bilingual Theme Bags, too! Please let us know what you like and what we can do to improve this great resource for parents, daycare providers, and pre-schools. Contact Sarah Johnson at sjohnson@midcolumbialibraries.org
Have you tried Tumblebooks? http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp
Click here for a great list of books that are bi-lingual English/Spanish.
Early Learning Resources
Our Babies Can't Wait is an initiative by the United Way for Benton and Franklin Counties resources for early childhood learning, focusing on the years between birth through age five.
Selected Books and Materials
Is your child learning how to read? Resources to assist selecting books and resources for your child.
Your Family
If you need help learning about medical insurance, pregnancy benefits, and other resources for you to help make ends meet, go to www.ParentHelp123.org or call the Family Food Hotline (1-888-436-6392) for help in any language.
For information on how to keep your family safe, visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Parents-Health.shtml for information on health issues, home safety, child care and more. Everyone is aware of the concern about this year's flu season. Go to www.flu.gov for information on the flu, swine flu (H1N1), avian flu and more. Remember to wash your hands often and stay home if you or your children are sick.
College - Start planning now
For more resources visit the Teen page http://www.midcolumbialibraries.org/going-college
College Bound Scholarship Program Eligible children earn a four-year scholarship. Apply when your child is in 7th OR 8th grade.
Kid-Friendly Events
Mid-Columbia Libraries provide storytimes that help your child get ready for school. Children learn Early Literacy skills such as print awareness and print motivation and children learn basic skills such as working with other children, listening, and hand-eye coordination. Take a look at our program calendar for a list of MCL storytimes in your area.
