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
Infant CPR Information Session
Wednesday, September 9 & Monday, September 28 at 10 AM
September is National Baby Safety Month!
This program, led by Greene County Public Health, will teach parents and caregivers how to perform infant CPR and recognize choking in emergency situations. Library activities will be provided for attending children. This is not a certification program.
Evenings Unplugged
Select Tuesdays from September 8 - December 22 from 4 - 5:30 PM*
Age Group: 7 - 12
Looking for some exciting and mostly screen-free activities after school? Try our "Evenings Unplugged" programs! Please visit our program calendar for a full list of dates and times.
September 8: Bad Art Night
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It's time to be creative...and not worry about making something look "good"! Work together or by yourself to create some "bad art".
*September 29: Karaoke [Or Watch] Night
- Who says that libraries have to be quiet? Well...that's why we're doing this program in the basement! Bring a friend, pick your go-to karaoke songs, and get ready to sing your lungs out.
- This program is from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.
Toddler Storytimes
Select Mondays from September 14 - December 28 from 10 - 11 AM
Age Group: 0 - 6
Enjoy differently weekly stories, songs, crafts, and social time! All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Please visit our program calendar for a full list of dates, times, and locations.
Culture Cafe & Open House
Wednesday, September 16 from 6 - 8 PM
Enjoy informal conversations about culture and how it connects us, led by Multicultural Family Resource Center Director Sara Huddleston. Light refreshments will be served. Get there early from 5 – 6 PM to meet the Paton library director and see the new multicultural materials now available for checkout!
This program is a part of our free “Around the World in Greene County” series of multicultural programs through a Greene County Community Foundation grant. Stop by your local library to learn more.
Where: William Paton Public Library (105 S Main St, Paton, IA 50217)
Topic: What Connects Us - Values, Trust, & Community Engagement
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.
