Collections
Story Boxes
The library currently has fourteen Story Boxes in its collection – fourteen complete storytimes with plans, rhymes, songs, books and interactive components including puppets, velcro stories, and laminated story elements. You’ll also find at least one Indigenous picture book in each box. Story Boxes are kept in storage but are viewable in the catalogue so you can see what is in each one. The Story Boxes are always ready to be checked out by the ECE Community. Ask at the library service desk if you want to look at or borrow a Story Box.
Big Book Kits
Similar to Story Boxes, the library’s big book kits are kept out of the public collection in storage but are viewable in the catalogue and are specifically reserved for use by child care workers and early childhood educators. These well-loved kits include oversized books and interactive components such as puppets and stuffies. Ask at the library service desk if you want to browse or check out the library’s big book kits.
Extensive children’s collection including:
- Picture Books
- Non-fiction Books
- Board Books
- Easy Readers
- French Language Books
- Audio Books
- DVDs
- CDs
- Staff Picks
Reader’s Advisory
Many books, particularly picture books, contain multiple themes that might not all appear in a subject search in our catalogue. If you’re planning a themed storytime or activity and want to find more stories on your chosen topic, there’s a good chance our Children’s Services Coordinator can help you with themed book lists and a hands-on knowledge of our children’s collection. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Programs and Events
Registration is Required for these programs. To register or to find out when the next session will be held, please contact Sonia Zagwyn, Children’s Services Coordinator: szagwyn@prpl.ca or call 604-485-4796 ext. 212.
The Art of Storytime
This professional development workshop is for preschool-primary teachers and child care workers. With a new storytime-related theme every session, participants will have the opportunity hone their storytime skills, hands-on, covering a range of topics including book selection, puppet handling, pairing songs and action rhymes with stories, and more!
Early Literacy and Your Child
Parents and preschoolers ages 3-4 are invited to explore the library and bring home some early literacy tools in this fun and informative event with Speech-Language Pathologist Alyssa Dixon and Children’s Services Coordinator Sonia Zagwyn. Participants will get a library tour that includes the library’s early literacy resources, enjoy circle time with stories, puppets, and songs, and explore six interactive literacy stations with take-home activities. Child care workers who wish to know more about the library’s collection and literacy resources are welcome to come along for the tour and take away some ideas.
Book the Stage Community Storytime
Preschool storytime opens the story seat up to YOU on the last Wednesday of the month. Bring a favourite preschool-friendly story, song, or rhyme and share it with the kids. Pick up some storytime tips by clicking on the Community Storytime listing on the Events Calendar.
In-Library Resources
More to Explore
Kids and caregivers: are you looking for more to do at the library? We’ve got you covered whether it’s a rainy day, an extended stay, or maybe you want to read your books inside your very own fort! During opening hours, the library has the following play resources available on a by-request basis: Crazy Forts, Lego, Duplo, Mega Bloks, Keva Planks, and Augmented Reality Books. All you need is your library card. Ask at the Service Desk or at the Children’s and Teen Services Office.
Early Literacy Station
The Early Literacy Station is a collection of tactile ready-to-play items found by the multicoloured carpet in the Children’s Lounge. Always available, it includes a large magnetic board and a cart loaded with magnetic animals, shapes, and food items, two magnetic alphabets, number and letter flash cards on rings, Magnatab tracing boards for uppercase, lowercase and numbers, an Alphabuild kit, and a sheet of tips and ideas for how to engage with these items. Bring a play group or explore it on your own.
Room bookings
Did you know that the library has two small meeting rooms and one large-capacity community room that can be reserved online and have discounted rates for non-profit organizations? If you need a space beyond your own facility for a meeting or event, call us!
Digital Resources
LinkedIn Learning Online Courses
Your Tutor is Waiting! LinkedIn Learning is an online learning resource, which offers thousands of courses on a wide variety of topics. Learn technology, creative, and business skills online, 24 hours a day, through the Library. Click here for more information.