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The Ridgefield Park Public Library
Children’s Programs
About the Children’s Department
The Children’s department is open to serve children from the time they are babies until they leave sixth grade. Our collection of board books, picture books, easy fiction and non-fiction, older juvenile fiction and non-fiction, and magazines is supplemented by videos, DVDs, and CD-ROM educational games. In addition, we have a small but growing collection of books in the Spanish and Korean languages. Our cozy toddler room contains some toys and puzzles to make a trip to the Library with younger children a must activity. Our educational CD-ROMs can be used in the library or borrowed. To make life a little easier, we also have the text books used in the RP public elementary schools for those times when a book is left at school. These text books can be used in the library but may not be borrowed.
We welcome your children to the library but need to remind you that children under the age of seven may not be in the library alone. They must be accompanied by a caregiver. The library staff maintains an environment that is safe for everyone but the staff cannot be responsible for unattended children. Children come and go frequently particularly after school and it is not our function to monitor their comings and goings. If your children are spending great amounts of time in the library, they should have a phone card or change in case they need to make a phone call. They should also have a phone number at which a parent or caregiver can be reached in the event that they experience difficulty.
It is true that the library is no longer the quiet place of years ago. It is more aptly described as being a bustling, busy environment and we like it that way. Even so, children should be reminded that the library is not the appropriate place for games that should be played outdoors, running, jumping, roller blading, etc. and that everyone in the library must be treated with respect. The staff will remind children if they are behaving inappropriately but if the children don’t respond to the reminders, they will be asked to leave.
Library Cards
Library Cards are issued to children at age 5. Parents must present proof of residency in the form of an unexpired driver’s license or a utility bill with the parent’s current RP address. A library card allows a child to borrow all material from the library except for videos and DVDs. These must be borrowed by an adult with an adult card.
Computers
Computers are available so that children can search the library catalog, make use of the specialized reference databases, surf the Internet, type papers and reports, and experiment with graphics programs. Our educational CD-ROMs can be used in the library or borrowed. Those under the age of 18 will only be allowed to surf the Internet if they have a parental permission form on file at the library. Children must bring their library cards with them each time they wish to use the Internet.
Pre-School Story Time
Introduces the pre-schooler to the magic of  reading and listening. We hope that parents will help their pre-schoolers develop the life-long habit of browsing through the library’s collection at the conclusion of Story Time each week. We encourage you to let us know if you are looking for something special—we love to help you find good books!
Children from 2 to 3 years old (and their caregivers) meet on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for age appropriate stories, play, and crafts which will introduce your child to a group experience and reading. Children 3 years to 5 years old meet on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. with the library staff for age appropriate stories, play, and crafts. In this session, we encourage your child’s independence and increasing learning skills.
Since we are aware that children develop social skills at differing speeds, parents are encouraged to decide which group would best serve their 3 year olds. If a child is not ready to be separated from his/her parents, the younger group would probably be a better match for that particular 3 year old.In order to participate in Pre-School Story Time, children must be pre-registered. Click here for registration schedule.
Sleepy Time Tales
Children of all ages are invited to gather up a favorite teddy bear or blanket and come to the library for favorite nighttime stories. Pajamas are optional and this is a great way for parents to share some quiet time with their children. After listening to a few stories, you’ll still have time to browse for books to take home. Click here for schedule.
American Girls
The American Girls series of books is the centerpiece for two book clubs that meet monthly. American Girls is geared for children in 4th through 6th grades who are reading the American Girl books on their own. Each month a different book is chosen for discussion and supplementary activities. The American Girls Jr. group is geared for children in grades in 1st through 3rd grades and takes the form of the children being read to. Click here for schedule.
Let’s Learn Something New 
There’s always something new to be learned and the library presents programs that give children the basics of sewing, knitting, gardening, origami, Chinese brush painting, and many other topics. No previous experience or knowledge is ever necessary. Children just bring with them their willingness to learn something new. Click here for schedule.
Book Bingo
A literary twist on an old favorite. Children play book bingo for small prizes. Click here for schedule.
Celebrations
There is always something to celebrate at the library so remember to stop by frequently. We always celebrate holidays (Halloweeen, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukkah, etc.) In addition we frequently host book parties (Shredderman, Captain Underpants, Harry Potter) and we generally celebrate the birthdays of two of our favorites, Dr. Seuss and Harry Potter. Click here for schedule.
Summer Reading
During the summer, we schedule at least one activity per day to keep the Village’s young people engaged in reading. We’re playing book bingo, inviting you to lunch at the library, telling stories outdoors, and offering special weekly craft programs to supplement many of our regular activities. The library is the place to be during the summer so don’t miss out on any of the fun. Click here for schedule.
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