For Families

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Now Online

Once registered families can visit the library or bookmobile to pick up a badge book. Badge books include reading logs, stickers, special activities, and suggested reading lists.  They can be used alongside Beanstack to keep track of f books read and prizes earned.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenges families to read 1000 books together before a child’s first day of kindergarten.  Because reading together early has been linked to school success, this challenge aids in getting a child ready for school while promoting positive family interactions.  Families receive small incentives like sidewalk chalk and finger puppets throughout the journey to 1000 books and the library will host special programs for participants.  Upon reaching 1000 books, children receive a certificate, book, and special photo magnet to commemorate their accomplishment.  Every 100 books read also earns an entry into drawings held every two months for a backpack full of kindergarten school supplies.  Registration for the program is always open.  Once registered families can visit the library or bookmobile to pick up their badge books. Your child’s badge book includes reading logs, stickers, special activities, and suggested reading lists.

Check It Out! Find More Than Just Books in the Children’s Area

A wide variety of Board and Card Games for all ages are available for checkout.  The collection includes games like Snorta-The Family Game Where Everyone Acts Like an Animal and Dr. Eureka, a fast paced logic game.  The library adds to their collection  of over 60 games regularly and takes suggestions of games your family would like to play. Games are limited to one per cardholder and check out for two weeks.  For a list of games available visit the Board and Card Games List.

Early Literacy Kits are designed to help you get your toddler or preschooler ready for kindergarten.  Each kit contains books, games, puppets, toys, and more all based on the five best practices to help a child get ready to learn: Reading, Talking, Singing, Playing, and Writing.  Each kit also comes with a binder full of early literacy information and tips on how to use the kit effectively.  Kit themes include Springtime, On the Farm, Dinosaurs, Let’s Get Cooking, and more. Kits are available to check out for three weeks.  There is a limit of one kit per family. For a list of available kits including In the Ocean, our newest addition, visit the Early Literacy Kit List.

Launchpads are pre-loaded tablets available for children in preschool through 5th grade.  Each Launchpad is pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free learning apps and games.  Apps are grouped by subject area, theme, grade level, and age and feature popular characters.  Subjects include math, science, critical thinking, and creativity while themes include animals, building, fantasy, and more.  Launchpads are completely secure and no Wi-Fi access or data usage is necessary.  Launchpads are available for checkout for three weeks.  There is a limit of one Launchpad per card. Find a list of available Launchpads by visiting the Launchpad List.

Discovery Kits are S.T.E.M. kits designed with families in mind.  Kits are designed to help your family discover something new through exploration and play.  Each kit includes a S.T.E.M. manipulative like Snap Circuits or a telescope, books, and suggested activities.  These kits are limited to one per family and can be checked out for three weeks at a time.  Some kits do contain small parts and are not recommended for children under three. Discovery Kits were generously paid for with grant money provided by Ohio Valley United Charities and Friends of the Henry County Public Library.  For a list of available kits visit the Discovery Kit List.

Playaways are pre-loaded audio books that give patrons the freedom to listen to books anytime, anywhere.  The universal audio jack is compatible with headphones and auxiliary cords.  The library has a wide variety of Playaways for kids, teens, and adults.  Playaways check out for three weeks and patrons must provide their own earbuds or headphones.  You can find a list of Playaways for children available at the library here: Playaway List

Wonderbooks are the newest format available for check out at the library.  Every Wonderbook is a print book with a ready-to-play audiobook inside.  Just press play to hear a favorite story.  Follow along using the tones that tell you when to turn the page, then switch to learning mode to hear the narrator ask open ended questions.  Research shows that hearing and seeing words at the same time can improve reading success rates. Therefore Wonderbook gives kids an edge with vocabulary development, phonics, and comprehension, while encouraging deeper engagement with every book. There is a limit of two Wonderbooks per card.  Wonderbooks check out for three weeks. Visit the Wonderbook List to see what titles are available.