Troy Public Library: Young People's Services

General Program Information

There are a number of programs for various age groups. All programs are free but registration is always required and often limited. Sign up for any program by calling Young People's Services at 274-7071 or by stopping in.

Storytimes are offered at all locations. A schedule is available on the Young People's Programs page, or in the Young People's room. Toddler storytimes for the youngest children (accompanied by an adult) last about 20 minutes and feature simple concept books and finger rhymes. For older children, pre-school storytime lasts a little longer and features story books, finger rhymes, and songs. Parents are welcome at pre-school storytime if they wish to accompany their children.

Summer Reading Club, a yearly summer project, encourages kids to read and keep track of books read over the summer, and to attend summer programs at the library. The theme for each year is based on a statewide theme, and special bookmarks, prizes, and certificates are awarded to participants.

Other Programs are offered throughout the year. Ask for a current calendar of events in the Young People's Room or at either of our branches, or visit the Young People's Programs page.

In addition to the programs and services offered by the Young People's Department of Troy Public Library, information about recreational, educational, cultural, and social service activities and programs for families and children in Troy, Lansingburgh, and Rensselaer County may be found on the Connected Kids Web site.

Collections

Young People's Collection: We have a junior reference section, a non-fiction collection ranging from picture books to middle school level books, book and cassette kits, magazines for kids and for parents and teachers, a parent-teacher section, circulating vertical file information on a variety of topics, and an entire room dedicated to fiction. The fiction is divided into chapter books, easy readers, picture books, and toddler books. Bibliographies are available on a number of topics.

Please note: Children have access to all of the materials in the library. Our staff may not and will not refuse to check out materials to a borrower because of his or her age. The exception is videos; patrons under the age of 18 may only borrow videos if accompanied by a parent. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their children's choice of materials.

Young Adult Collection: Popular fiction, classics that often appear on school reading lists, and current non-fiction of interest to teenagers can be found in the "YA" collection. Some of the most asked-for titles are shelved in a special YA section located on the landing at the top left side of the marble staircase. They are easily identified by the bright yellow "YA" stickers with red letters.

Computers

There is a PC available to young people in this department. Children can sign up for a half-hour time slot. A variety of software programs are available.

Word processing and Internet access are available on a Children's Terminal in the Reference Department. The library Internet and Computer Policy requires a parent or guardian signature for patrons under the age of 18, and parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their child's use of this resource. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the computer.

Group Visits/Tours

The staff of Young People's Services will give tours of the main library as well as storytimes or book talks for school classes, scout troops or other groups at any of our locations. Arrangements must be made in advance by calling Young People's Services at 274-7071.

Visits to Schools

Staff from the Young People's Services Department will visit a classroom or school to promote the library and reading. Visits are traditionally scheduled toward the end of the school year to encourage participation in the summer reading club, but can be scheduled at any time during the school year.

Pre-School Lending Library

Nursery schools and day cares can apply for an institutional card, which can be used to check out a classroom collection of picture books that the Young People's Services staff will select and check out. The books must be picked up at the Main Library but can be returned to any branch.

Young People's Services

Services