Children's Library & Teenzone

Libraries are for everyone - come and see what we have for you.

You are never too young to become a member of the library. It's quick and easy - just visit your local library or apply on-line. You can borrow up to 14 items - books and CDs for 3 weeks, DVDs for 1 week.

Check out ELAN, our on-line catalogue to find your favourite books and DVDs. It is free to reserve items from other libraries - you just pick them up from your local library. There are no overdue fees on children's books borrowed on a child's ticket - but do remember there may be someone waiting to read it after you!

Stories

There is a huge range of fiction books to suit everyone from board books for babies to Harry Potter.

All our story books have a special sticker to help you find the books you want.

P	Picture books to share with young children - includes board books
L	Stories for learning to read - these give lots of practice with key words & picture clues for children just starting to read
Y	Stories to read for yourself
S	Longer stories - "chapter stories"
F	Folk and fairy tales
O	Picture books for older readers - for children 6/7 years + Includes some graphic novels
S+	Stories for older readers - these will have a more mature storyline

Look out also for:

Short Sharp Reads - books with exciting shorter stories, some in comic book style and some with true facts. All have good clear print and are enjoyed by those who have been called "reluctant readers". 

This collection includes books published by Barrington Stoke which are particularly useful for children with dyslexia. For more information on dyslexia visit http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Poetry and Joke books - to make you think and to laugh.

Dual Language books - stories in various community languages and an English translation- Polish/ Polski, French/ Francais and Somali/ Afsomali are most popular. Come and see if we have your language.

Life Situations - stories and information books for children experiencing new or difficult situations, eg starting school, visiting the doctor, a new baby in the family or a bereavement.

Information books

We have lots of non-fiction books to interest and amaze you. Do you need help in looking after your pet, or the answer to the off-side rule? Or maybe you want a book to help you with your homework? Information books are arranged by subject. Just ask a member of staff for help or use the subject guide "Where's That Book?"

DVDs

We have a wide range of DVDs that you can borrow for 1 week.

Stories on CDs

Do you prefer to listen to a story? These are very useful for brightening up long car journeys.

Computers

You can use the computers for up to an hour a day free of charge. Just come and get your password and have access to the World Wide Web.

Remember to use the internet safely:

• Use websites recommended to you by your parent, librarian or teacher
• Only click on the button and links when you know what they mean
• Never give out personal information such as passwords, name, address or telephone number
• Always ask if you get lost on the internet
• Write polite and friendly emails and messages to people you know
• Immediately close any page that you feel uncomfortable with and tell an adult.

Events for Children

There are a range of activities held during school holidays - look out for the Summer Reading Challenge and craft activities.

Southend Central library hosts the Children's Reading Festival, "Paint a Story" throughout October.

There are also regular children's reading groups at Southend Central, Thorpedene and Kent Elms libraries.

Storyrhyme sessions for children under 5 years and their parents/ carers are held in all our libraries (weekly or fortnightly).

Friars library has a Read and Reward scheme whereby children aged 5 -16 receive prizes for borrowing books.

For current activities, please see Library News and Events page.

Group visits to Libraries

Schools and other organisations such as Cubs & Brownies are welcome to make an appointment to come and use our resources or take part in a Discovery Tour. Please do check that no other activities are taking place.

Services for Childminders, Pre-schools, Nurseries, Children's Centres, Toddler Groups and Foster Carers

We offer an additional library card for the above groups to ensure that the children in their care have good quality books available to them. Children's books are loaned for an extended period (12 weeks).

Bookstart Bear Club

Come and join the exciting new book borrowing incentive for under-5's..the Bookstart Bear Club. All participating children will receive a fantastic membership pack which includes a joining certificate, Bookstart Bear Club passport, bookmark and door hanger. The passport will be used to collect stamps when borrowing books and attending special Bookstart events. After 6 stamps children will receive their first certificate. There are 10 wonderful designs to collect. To join, simply pop ointo your local library and ask for a pack.