Kids Blog

A Bridge for New Readers: Early Chapter Books

A Bridge for New Readers:Early Chapter Books - Realistic FictionBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional LibraryBook List by Terry Leon, Children's Customer Service Assistant, Hardesty Regional LibraryWhen kids are learning to read, they move through four important stages:

Stories for ALL: Disability Representation in Children's Books

Stories for ALL:Disability Representation in Children's BooksBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional LibraryStories help children make sense of the world and of themselves. When kids open a book and see a character who moves, learns, or communicates like they do, it can be transformative. Disability representation in children’s literature – whether physical, cognitive, sensory, or neurodivergent – can offer authentic perspectives and diverse human experiences.

Holidays, Holidays, Holidays! Books for Celebrating

Holidays, Holidays, Holidays!Books for CelebratingBy Kristina Acosta, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Herman and Kate Kaiser LibraryThis time of year has dozens of holidays to celebrate from Halloween to Hanukkah, but there are many more that don’t receive as much attention in our American media. Reading books about diverse holidays and celebrations is a great way to build background knowledge, encourage empathy, and learn more about diverse cultures. Here are just a few holidays that are celebrated this time of year. 

Full STEAM Ahead! STEAM-Themed Books for Curious Children

Full STEAM Ahead! STEAM-Themed Books for Curious ChildrenBy Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional Library 

Who Wants Candy? Sweet Read for Kids!

Sweet Reads for Kids!By Kena Hardin, MLIS, Children's Library Associate, Central LibraryCandy. What a beautiful word! Candy sure is sweet to enjoy, whether it’s giving out and receiving candy for a holiday, eating candy with friends at a birthday party, or maybe making homemade candy with a loved one. Here are a few fun reads to bite into!

Library, Please! Books About Libraries

Library, Please! Books About LibrariesBy Laura Raphael, MA, MLIS, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County LibraryThis summer, we want children to request of their parents: “Library, please!” (Well, we want them to request this year-round, but especially in the summer!)Here are a few fun library-based books to explore after visiting the library:

Books Make Life Colorful!

Books Make Life Colorful!By Kristina Acosta, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Herman & Kate Kaiser Library The 2025 Summer Reading Program theme is "Color Our World" and what colors our world more than books with their beloved stories, characters, pictures, and more?

Books To Help Build Boundaries!

Boundaries Are For EveryoneBooks To Help Build BoundariesBy Valeria Alvarez, Bilingual Customer Service Assistant, and Sarah Davis, MLIS, Bilingual Children's Area Supervisor, Martin Regional Library

We Need the Earth and the Earth Needs Us! Great Books for Earth Day

We Need the Earth and the Earth Needs Us!Great Books to Celebrate Earth DayBy Kena Hardin, Children's Associate, Central Library Children's DepartmentThe official Earth Day celebration is on April 22, but really, we can (and should!) celebrate Earth Day every day! 

A Graphic Gateway to Novels

A Graphic Gateway to NovelsBy April Harden, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Brookside Library