Children's Resources at Calabasas Library - Comprehensive Guide

June 15, 2024

The City of Calabasas Library is a cornerstone of the community, offering a range of resources and programs specifically designed for children. These resources aim to foster a love for reading, support educational development, and provide a fun and engaging environment for learning. This article provides an in-depth look at the various programs, services, and resources available for children at the Calabasas Library.

Story Time Programs for Calabasas Children

Story Time sessions are a beloved staple at the Calabasas Library, designed to engage young minds through storytelling, music, and activities. These sessions cater to different age groups:

  • Toddler Story Time: This program is designed for children aged 18 months to 3 years. It includes stories, songs, and activities that promote early literacy skills and social interaction. Toddlers learn to appreciate books and develop listening skills in a fun and engaging environment.
  • Preschool Story Time: Geared towards children aged 3 to 5 years, Preschool Story Time sessions include longer stories, interactive songs, and simple crafts. These activities help prepare children for school by enhancing their language, cognitive, and motor skills.

Reading Programs

Reading programs at the Calabasas Library aim to encourage a lifelong love of reading. These programs include:

  • Summer Reading Program: This annual program is a highlight for many families. It encourages children to read during the summer break, helping to prevent the "summer slide" where reading skills can regress. Participants log their reading hours to earn prizes, and the program includes special events such as kick-off parties, author visits, and craft days.
  • Reading Clubs: The library offers various reading clubs for different age groups and interests. These clubs meet regularly to discuss books, participate in related activities, and share their love of reading with peers. Clubs might include themes such as mystery, adventure, or fantasy, catering to diverse interests.

1. Accelerated Reader Bookfinder for LVUSD Schools

The Accelerated Reader (AR) Bookfinder is a valuable tool used across elementary and middle schools in the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD). This tool allows students, parents, and educators to search for books that have corresponding AR quizzes. The search can be customized by ATOS book level, Lexile measure, interest level, and more, helping students find books that match their reading abilities and interests. The Bookfinder is accessible to all LVUSD students, providing a broad database of titles to encourage reading and comprehension skills development. More details can be found on the AR Bookfinder website​ (AR Bookfind)​​ (AR Bookfind)​.

2. Book Lists for Grades K-12

The Calabasas Library provides curated book lists for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These lists are designed to guide students to age-appropriate and engaging reading material. Each list is tailored to meet the developmental and academic needs of different grade levels, helping to foster a love for reading and improve literacy skills. The lists include a variety of genres and themes to cater to diverse interests, ensuring that every student can find books they will enjoy.

3. Stories on Demand

The Stories on Demand service offers a selection of children's books that can be streamed online. This service is ideal for families looking for convenient, on-the-go access to engaging stories. The collection includes classic tales and contemporary favorites, narrated by professional storytellers. This resource is perfect for bedtime stories, long car rides, or simply enjoying a good book together at home.

4. Access Video on Demand: Just for Kids

Access Video on Demand: Just for Kids is an extensive video library designed specifically for children. It features educational videos, popular children's shows, and documentaries covering a wide range of subjects. This resource supports both entertainment and learning, providing content that is both fun and informative. Topics range from science and nature to history and the arts, making it a versatile tool for both school projects and casual viewing.

5. PBS Video Collection

The PBS Video Collection available through the Calabasas Library offers educational and entertaining content from Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This collection includes documentaries, educational series, and episodes from popular PBS children’s shows. The videos cover a wide array of topics, making them a valuable resource for both classroom learning and at-home education.

6. Interactive Education

Interactive Education resources at the Calabasas Library provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences for children. These resources include interactive websites, educational games, and digital activities that support various subjects such as math, science, and reading. These tools are designed to make learning fun and interactive, helping to reinforce classroom learning and encourage independent exploration.

7. Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) & Calabasas City Library Partnership

The partnership between LVUSD and the Calabasas City Library strengthens the educational support available to students. This collaboration ensures that students have access to a wide range of library resources, including books, digital content, and educational programs. The library also works closely with schools to support literacy initiatives and provide resources for school projects.

8. Online Materials and Resources for Students and Educators

The library offers a wealth of online materials and resources designed to support both students and educators. This includes access to research databases, educational websites, and eBooks. These resources are available 24/7, providing valuable support for homework, research projects, and independent learning. Educators can also find teaching aids and professional development materials to enhance their instructional strategies.

9. First Partner’s Summer Book Club

The First Partner’s Summer Book Club is an initiative designed to encourage reading during the summer months. This program offers a selection of recommended books for different age groups, along with activities and discussion questions to enhance the reading experience. The goal is to keep students engaged in reading and learning throughout the summer, helping to prevent learning loss and promote a lifelong love of reading.

10. Pumpkin Patch Story Time

Pumpkin Patch Story Time is a seasonal event held at the Calabasas Library. This event features themed stories, crafts, and activities centered around pumpkins and fall. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season while promoting literacy and creativity. Children can enjoy listening to pumpkin-themed stories, participating in related crafts, and engaging in interactive activities that bring the stories to life.

Calabasas Educational Resources for Children

To support the educational needs of children, the library provides numerous resources:

  • Homework Help: The library offers access to online resources and databases that can assist with homework. These resources include encyclopedias, educational websites, and research databases tailored for children.
  • Study Spaces: Quiet study areas are available within the library, providing a conducive environment for children to do their homework and study for exams. These spaces are equipped with comfortable seating and adequate lighting.

Special Events and Workshops in Calabasas

Throughout the year, the library hosts a variety of special events and workshops designed to engage children in learning and creativity:

  • Author Visits: The library regularly hosts visits from children’s book authors. These events provide a unique opportunity for children to meet their favorite authors, ask questions, and learn about the writing process. Author visits often include book signings and interactive storytelling sessions.
  • Craft Sessions: Regular craft sessions are organized to encourage creativity and fine motor skills. These sessions involve various art projects, from simple coloring activities to more complex crafts like building models or creating collages.

Online Resources and Digital Access

In the digital age, the library has expanded its offerings to include a wealth of online resources:

  • eBooks and Audiobooks: The library provides access to a large collection of eBooks and audiobooks for children. These digital formats are convenient for families on the go and can be accessed from home or on mobile devices.
  • Educational Databases: Children can access numerous educational databases through the library’s website. These databases offer a wide range of information on topics such as science, history, and literature, providing valuable support for school projects and personal learning.

Community Programs and Partnerships

The library actively collaborates with local schools and community organizations to enhance its offerings:

  • Library Events Calendar: The library maintains a regularly updated events calendar that lists all upcoming programs, workshops, and special events for children. This calendar helps families plan their visits and participate in various activities.
  • Partnerships with Schools: The library partners with local schools to support children’s education. These partnerships may include coordinating class visits to the library, organizing book fairs, and providing resources for school projects.

Technology and Digital Literacy

In addition to traditional resources, the library focuses on enhancing digital literacy among children:

  • Computer Access: Computers are available for children to use for educational purposes. These computers are equipped with age-appropriate software and internet filters to ensure a safe online experience.
  • Digital Literacy Programs: The library offers programs aimed at improving children’s digital skills. These programs might include coding workshops, internet safety sessions, and basic computer skills classes.

Additional Services for Calabasas Children

Beyond the primary programs and resources, the library offers additional services to support the needs of children and their families:

  • Parent and Caregiver Resources: The library provides resources and information for parents and caregivers to help them support their children’s development. This includes parenting books, educational guides, and information on local services.
  • Book Recommendations and Reading Lists: Librarians are available to provide personalized book recommendations and reading lists tailored to individual interests and reading levels. These lists can help children discover new genres and authors.

Conclusion

The Calabasas Library is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and programs that support the educational and developmental needs of children. From engaging story times and reading programs to educational resources and digital literacy initiatives, the library offers a wealth of opportunities for children to learn, grow, and explore their interests. Families are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and participate in the many programs and events available at the library.

For more information, visit the Calabasas Library Children’s Page.

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