Our Youth Department aims to instill a love of reading, education, and curiosity in every patron ages 0 - 18. Whether it's promoting early literacy through Toddler Storytime or encouraging creativity through our weekly craft programs, the Youth Department provides a safe and welcoming space for children and their caregivers. Browse our new in-library and digital titles, get homework help, and stay up to date on programs and events for kids from birth to 6th grade.
Looking for information about our programs for grades 7 and up? Check out our Teen page.
Upcoming Featured Events for Kids & Families
We have a packed summer ahead of us and can't possibly highlight every program! For a complete list of summer programs for all ages, please visit our calendar.
Summer Storytimes
Mondays from 10 - 11 AM
June 15 - July 27
Have a t-rexiffic summer with books, crafts, songs, and more! All children must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver. We recommend wearing clothes that you are comfortable with getting messy. Times and locations for some dates are different: check the program calendar on our website for a complete list!
Age Group: 0 - 6
Rocks, Fossils, and Coprolite Exploration
Wednesday, July 15 from 2 - 3 PM
Enjoy two different presentations from community members followed by hands-on activities! Learn about animals and biofacts (items like bones and paw castings), see a preserved piece of elephant scat, and discover the scientific properties and stories behind different rocks...then enjoy some unconventional snacks and break your own geodes. Maximum of 20 participants per program. Please arrive promptly to ensure attendance!
Kelly Crull Performance & Dino-Dig
Wednesday, July 22 from 4 - 5 PM
Enjoy an interactive read-aloud STEM storytime, a fossil digging station, and a hatch-your-own dino egg activity with Iowa children's author, Kelly Crull!
Age Group: Ages 5 - 12
Location: First United Methodist Church (307 S Wilson Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129)
Science Center of Iowa Performance
Thursday, July 30 from 1 - 2 PM
See spectacular cryogenic demonstrations as you "take a plunge into the extreme world of cold! Using dry ice and liquid nitrogen, SCI presenters reveal how temperature changes affect matter — from bouncy balls that shatter to bananas that turn into hammers".
Age Group: 7 - 18
Location: First United Methodist Church (307 S Wilson Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129)
Summer Reading Shin-Dig Party!
Thursday, July 30 from 2 - 4 PM
Congratulations, junior explorers: you've completed the Summer Reading Shin-Dig! Now it's time to sit back and enjoy prizes, snacks, music, and games with your friends and family.
We also invite you to bring an item to put into our library time capsule! To learn more about time capsules and what you can put in them, visit this link from the American Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/archaeology/create-your-own-time-capsule2
Age Group: 7 - 12 (must be a registered Summer Reading Shin-Dig participant)
Where: First United Methodist Church (307 S Wilson Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129)
Explore Your Library
Puzzles, games, audiobooks, videogames, and more: you never know what you're going to find when you're in the Youth Department! Check out some of our in-library resources.
AfterMouse Play Touch Table
Our touch table features 13 educational and recreational games for families with children ages 5 and up. Play with up to three friends or play solo.
AWE Learning Stations
These two touch-screen, interactive computers are pre-loaded with fun, entertaining and safe games to introduce early learning and literacy skills to kids.
Innovation Station
In this area, patrons in grades 5 and up can let their creativity loose with our 3-D pen, drawing tablet, button maker, paints, hot glue guns, LEGOS, Cri-Cut, and more.
Nintendo Switch & WiiU Gaming Systems
Children ages 7 and up can play our gaming systems, featuring everything from classic titles like Wii Sports to new games like Super Mario Party.
Homeschool Resource Center
Are you a homeschool educator or engaged in other non-traditional learning? Learn more about our in-library and digital resources for your family, including literacy kits, support titles, non-fiction titles for kids and teens, and more.
