The staff of the Children's Department at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library welcomes you!
 

We- and your local branch- have loads of picture books, easy readers, book/cassette pairs, chapter books for bigger kids, tapes, and CDs and DVDs. For free time, we have wonderful novels and popular series. To help with school work, we have encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, and great books on hundreds of subjects. We also have access to great up to the minute databases, such as the Tennessee Electronic Library!
 

Regular Programs

Storytimes!

Mondays - Preschool storytime with Ms. Doris - 10:15 A.M. -  3 - 5 years

Wednesdays - Toddler time with Ms. Amy - 10:15 A.M. -  18 mos. - 3 years

Thursdays - Preschool storytime with Ms. Susan - 10:15 A.M. - 3 - 5 years

Baby Time with Ms. Amy - Delightful storytime for parents and babies age 9-18 months. Expect nursery rhymes, finger plays, music, singing, age appropriate books and lots of good information for parents to take home.
- June 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 A.M. For more information, call 901.415.2739.

Groups who wish to participate in preschool and school age storytimes need to register two weeks in advance. School groups are scheduled on Tuesdays at 10:15 only, and must be requested two weeks in advance. Please call 901.415.2739 for availability.
 

Other Programs
 

R.E.A.D. Dogs - Every Saturday in June from 1 - 3 P.M., Sammie and Penny listen to shy readers. Learn more about R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance) Dogs at the Therapy Animals website, and our local dogs at the West Tennessee Therapy Dogs site.

 
Upcoming Programs

Every Child Ready to Read - Five simple and fun habits can be the stepping stones to great reading skills. Join Youth Services Coordinator Mary Seratt for the Fun with Parents and Children ECRR workshop - for parents and kids up to age 5. Read more about the Every Child Read to Read Initiative to learn why early childhood literacy is so important.
-For more information, call 901.415.2739.
 

Great Books for Kids

Looking for a few good sources for book recommendations? Here you will find links to lists of award winners. When you see that a book has been given an award such as the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, and Pura Belpré Award, you know that you are holding quality, thoughtful literature. There are lots of different awards for various age groups and styles of literature. Check out our list of awards and medals for more information! 

Great Resources

Homework can be challenging, but these weblinks can lead you to lots of great interactive, age appropriate sites to help you through! Who knows, you may end up spending more time enjoying learning that you thought possible.

Book Reviews by Kids, for Kids

Have you read something you want to tell the world about? Tell us all about on our Book Review Form and we'll post your review! Read posted reviews here, at our Book Reviews by You page.

Comments?

 Let the Central Children's staff know what you think by filling out our comments form, or give us a call at 901.415.2739.