Children
We’re here to support parents and caregivers so your children thrive at home and in school. Learn more about our resources for children from birth to age 12 below.
Children's Garden
Visit our Children’s Garden, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Appleton, and express your musical creativity with a variety of instruments. The garden features a duo — perfect for side by side playing, a babel drum, and tubular bells. It’s open 9 am to 5 pm during the school year and 9 am to 7 pm during the summer.
Library Cards
Library cards are free for all Wisconsin residents. Bring a valid photo ID with your name and current address to any service desk. Children ages 0-15 will need a parent or guardian present to sign for the card.
Events & Programs
We offer a variety of events and programs for children of all ages. From early literacy experiences for new walkers to S.T.E.A.M. based adventures for tweens, you’ll find it here.
Appleton Ready to Read
We designed Appleton Ready to Read for multilingual families with children ages birth to five. Based on the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read Initiative, we provide strategies caregivers can use to develop their child’s early literacy skills.
If your family is not multilingual, but you’d like more information on early literacy skills, please visit our contact page, choose “Contact Children’s Services Staff”, and fill out the form.
Reading Programs
Looking for a fun program to help increase your child’s reading ability? We offer seasonal and year-round reading programs.
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
- 500 Books Before Middle School
- March Book Madness (March)
- Summer Library Program (June to August)
- Dino Bingo (November)
Book Packs
Looking for a quick and easy way to pick up children’s books? We can help. Give us one week, a few topics, and we’ll assemble a pack of 15-30 children’s books and check them out to you. All you need to do is drop by the library to pick them up.
Kits for Children
Our kits contain books and fun, educational materials to encourage exploration. We designed the kits for children ages 2-12, but all curious minds are welcome to give them a try.
- You must pick up and drop off kits at the Appleton Public Library.
- You may check out up to five kits per library card at one time.
- Kits check out for 14 days.
- You may renew each kit up to three times over the phone or online.
To check out a kit, visit us in person or view the list in our catalog and place a hold on one.
Reading Lists
Don’t know where to get started with a genre, topic or author? Check out our reading lists and discover books we love for readers of every age. View our lists on our catalog homepage.
Online Resources
We have a ton of free online resources for children and caregivers. See some of our staff recommendations below or view a full list of offerings.
TumbleBooks
A collection of animated, narrated picture and chapter books for children.
Teaching Books for Libraries
Multimedia resources and activities to supplement elementary, middle, and high school reading assignments.
NoveList K-8
Find recommendations and reviews fiction and nonfiction based on your favorite titles, authors, and genres.
Wi-Fi, Computers & Printing
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the library. Don’t have your own device to connect to the internet? No worries, we have you covered. We offer computers throughout the library you can use for free. In addition, we have a multifunction printer available for your printing needs.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive emails tailored to you. Enter your information and click on “Children’s Programs and Services” to subscribe.
You can also visit our Children’s blog to learn more about programs and services for children.