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
 

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 from 1 - 3 P.M., Tobey 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

Crafternoon - Ms. Luna leads school-age kids in a fun and interesting craft, highlighting books from the library.
- February 13 & 27, Mondays at 3:30 P.M.

African-American Read-In - Join the Children's Department in a celebration of African American writers! Bring a book by your favorite author or get one at the library.
- Sunday, February 26 at 1:00 P.M.

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.

Read With Me, Sign With Me - Ms. Susan has joined up with the Deaf Family Literacy Academy to present fun and insightful programs for families with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children.
- March 3, April 14, and May 5 - Saturdays at 11:00 A.M.

Family Tunes and Tales - The Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Memphis Public Library are collaborating to bring your family a fun and relaxing blend of story and music that engages the mind. Each time, a different section of the orchestra performs with a librarian to enliven familiar picture books. The concert lasts half an hour and families are invited to stay for a craft after. All show are at 11:00 A.M.

The dates for Benjamin L Hooks Central Library:

February 18, 2012 Woodwind Quartet
March 24, 2012 Brass Quintet
April 21, 2012 Kinder Duo
May 12, 2012 Percussion

Family Tunes and Tales will also be at Randolph and Cordova branches. See the Memphis Symphony Orchestra's website for more details!

Baby Time with Ms. Amy - Delightful storytime for parents and babies age 9 to 18 months. Expect nursery rhymes, finger plays, music, singing, age appropriate books and lots of good information for parents to take home.
- March 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 10:15 A.M. For more information, call 901.415.2739.

Art to Grow On - Children will learn about the art of printmaking in this exciting workshop presented by the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. This program is limited to 25 children. Arrive early to ensure a place!
- Tuesday, March 13 at 1:30 P.M.

Flow Circus - Try your skill with toys from around the world by balancing, catching ,whirling and spinning with Ms. Susan. This program is limited to 20 children ages 9 to 12.
- Wednesday, March 14 at 1:30 P.M.

Puppet Show - Arrrgh Mateys! The Silver Lining Puppet Players will present a pirate themed puppet show called "Jungle Jokers" on Thursday, March 15 at 1:30 P.M. Parents and children ages 4 to 12 are invited to attend. You're sure to have a swashbuckling good time. See you there!

 

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.