Welcome to the Children’s Room!
In Elting Memorial Library's children's library, we are dedicated to bringing literacy and learning to children from birth to the fifth grade. Our children's librarian, Megan Cockett, is here to help you find great materials to support your child's love of reading, learning, and interests.
Step into the Children’s Room, a realm of imagination and discovery!
Our children's library has something for everyone in the family - from infants to parents, you can find something in our room to take home or do at the library. Find toys and games for toddlers, learning-to-read materials for elementary-aged children, and more complex chapter books to inspire their love of reading as they grow.
Our collection includes:
Board books
Picture books
Early Readers and Decodables
Chapter books
Non-fiction, including biographies
Graphic novels
DVDs and Blu-Rays
Books on CD
Take-Home Kits for Child Development
Parenting books
Online resources including Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy
Elting Memorial Library is also a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System, so we are able to provide your family with resources outside of our library. If you are looking for something specific that we do not have in-building please ask a staff member about it!
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1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
The Elting Memorial Library is excited to offer the free nationwide program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten*. This program is designed to help parents and caregivers connect and prepare their children
for kindergarten by reading together. Numerous studies show that reading to children at a young
age has a direct positive impact on their cognitive development and later academic success.
Reading aloud to your child will not only help strengthen language skills and build vocabulary, but
will also provide quality bonding time and create memories that last a lifetime.
The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple and very manageable way to establish
you can finish the program in less than three years. If you read three books daily, you can reach your
goal in a year! Join as a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler—you can reach your goal from any starting
point!
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Register: Sign up anytime by clicking the button below. The program is year-round.
Pick up a Welcome Packet at the Library: Your packet will contain information on ways to record books, as well as helpful hints and tips to maximize your reading time with your child.
Track Your Reading: Record each book you read with your child. You do not have to record every title and books can be repeated. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member. Audiobooks count, too. As long as your child listens to the entire book, it counts!
Earn Rewards for Every 100-Book Milestone: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special reward.
Read 1,000 Books: Come celebrate at the library! When you finish 1000 books, your child will receive a certificate of completion and have their name placed on the 1,000 Book Wall of Fame. You will also receive a free tote bag and free book.
Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!
Remember, you are your child’s first teacher and most important teacher during their early critical years. Help your child gain the confidence necessary to become a strong reader and get a great jump start on school success!
For more Early Literacy Resources, join us for storytime at the library (see the library’s online calendar here for dates and times and to register) and visit the Children’s Room for kits, booklists, handouts, and more. -
Tips for Reading to Infants and Toddlers (from the National Education Association): nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/tips-reading-infants-and-toddlers
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To learn more about this initiative to help establish early literacy skills in preschoolers, visit 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org, and check out these other helpful websites:
Day by Day NY Family Literacy Calendar: https://daybydayny.org/
National Association for the Education of Young Children-Literacy: naeyc.org/resources/topics/literacy
New York State Library-Early Literacy Resources: nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/earlylit/resource-list.htm
NYC Department of Education-Early Literacy Resources: schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/grade-by-grade/early-childhood-learning/early-literacy-resources
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