Camarena Memorial Library

Children's Services is a priority at Camarena Memorial Library. The library has staff responsible for the maintenance of the children's collection, which includes materials for children from birth through eighth grade. Staff is available to assist children in finding sources of information suitable to their needs and reading skill and to offer suggestions and guidance with respect to reading for pleasure. Staff also prepares and/or presents an on-going program of activities designed to bring the library to the attention of children and their parents.

Children have access to the majority of the library's collections and services. The child's use of the library collections is, in general, subject to the same regulations that govern adult use. The general library staff accords children the same courtesy, the same attention and the same service that is accorded to adults. Parents remain responsible for the selections their children make.

Children's Collection

The children's collection contains material of interest to children from birth through eighth grade.  A range of media is offered system wide as part of the children's collection: books, videos, audiocassettes,  and periodicals.  While all these materials may not be available at our branch, these materials are available  through inter-library loan. Children's videos are also available, but may only be checked out by an adult.

The main library and the branch library also have access to the Internet both at the reference desk and available to the public. Terminals located in the children's area are filtered and have our special Children's Catalog  Web site as their homepage. This site is also available through the web for people who have Internet access at home.  In the case of children using the Internet, as with their use of any other Library materials, parents or guardians are expected to guide and supervise their children's use by selecting material that is consistent with their personal values. Library staff will not assume this parental role. An Internet Use Card is required for use of the Internet. Obtaining this card requires written parental consent.

Children's Services Programs

Throughout the year, Children's Services staff offers a variety of programs including preschool storytimes,  group visits, and special events. 

In the summer there is a popular summer reading program for both readers and children being read to. Sponsors of this program include Pizza Hut, Carl's Junior, Rally's, HomeTown Buffet, Carrows, Jack in the Box, Quizno's Subs and the Friends of the Library. 

Teachers are encouraged to let their local children's services staff know about any current assignments. If previous arrangements are made, materials may be placed on temporary reference so children coming to the library can be assured of finding some information available throughout the assignment.

If you have questions or comments about Children's Services please contact the Children's Services Coordinator: Livier Franco (760) 768-2170.

Storyhour
Regular storyhour will resume in September. See summer calendar for toddler time schedule during the summer.
Every Tuesday  from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the library offers a program for families with children 5 years and under. In this program, children listen to stories, do arts & crafts, sing songs, exercise and have lots of fun!

Arts & Crafts
Every Monday & Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and every other Saturday from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m., children ages 5 to 12 get together to do arts and crafts or other fun activities at the main library.

Summer Activites
The library has a whole range of activities designed to promote reading throughout the summer months. Check for your calendar in June 2010.