Services of the Youth Services Department

FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY: Children under the age of eight should be supervised at all times.

Kids Corner

The Youth Services Department has a special space just for the youngest kids, which includes four computers with educational CD games, puzzles and games for in-library use, and rocking chairs just right for a lap sit story with a child and caregiver.

Board Books

Sturdy hard cover books with thick pages for your child to explore.

Easy Books

Picture books for you and your child to read  together.

Kits

Books with tapes or CDs for kids to read along with.

Leap Pads

Leap Pad platforms and books are available to help kids with their reading skills.

Puzzles

There are lots of easy wooden puzzles available for check-out.

Readers

For children learning to read up to about second grade, these books usually have large type, controlled vocabulary and, in some cases, a vocabulary list .

Fiction

Chapter books for children in approximately third to eighth grade.  Two special fiction collections, Science Fiction and Mysteries, can be found at the end of the fiction shelves.  Paperback series books are located next to the Youth Computer Center, against the wall.  Paperback series books are arranged by series title.

Non-Fiction

The library has tons of non-fiction and reference titles that can be of use in completing school projects.  The Dewey Decimal System is used to house titles by subject. 

Research Tools

For your researching needs, the Youth Services department has computer indexes and databases, reference materials, bibliographies on many topics, plus plenty of non-fiction items ready for use.

Audio-Books

Books on tape and CD are available.

CDs

Educational games are available for check-out.  We also offer access to games on our in-house kids computers.  No sign-up required.

Videos/DVDs

Many fiction and non-fiction children’s videos and DVDs are available for check-out.

Youth Computer Center

The Youth Services Department has 10 computer stations available free, for use by Oak Lawn residents. Non-residents may use these computers at a cost of $1.00 per logon. There is a one-hour limit per patron, per day, Each computer is equipped with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access. All computer stations are also equipped with filtered Internet access. Printing costs 10 cents per black-and- white page, and $1.00 per color page.

Magazines & Newspapers

The Youth Services Department has child specific magazines available. Current month magazines are for in-house use only. Previous month magazines may be checked out.

Ebsco Host is a database that may be used by patrons of all ages for research projects. Many of the magazine and newspaper articles can be found full-text either on the computer or in the Periodicals Department on the 2nd floor. Ask a librarian for further information.

Parenting Resources

A special  collection of books covering all aspects of being a parent or caregiver can be found in the kids corner.

Homework Center

Current textbooks used in Oak Lawn schools on major subjects have been donated to the library on the basis of availability.  Check with a librarian for a complete listing of titles.

Home Learning Center

With a LSTA grant from the Illinois State Library, the Youth Services Department has created a Home Learning Center. This area includes a variety of school-related materials and other educational resources. The goal of the collection is to assist in the educational and curriculum success of all children.  Homeschool Resources

Click here for a list of Home Learning Center Materials

...and of course, your Youth Services Librarian is available to answer questions about the Library's collections, and to find materials just right for your needs.

Meeting Room Space

Community meeting rooms at the library are available for public use, free of charge to Oak Lawn residents and Oak Lawn based groups and organizations. Applications are available at the library's Reception Booth. A minimum of two weeks is required to process a reservation request. The entire Board Policy Statement governing meeting room use is attached to each application. For more information, contact Public Relations, (708) 422-4990.

Display Cases

The library has several display cases available throughout the year for use by local community groups, organizations, and individuals for the purpose of exhibiting special collections, handicrafts, activities, and creative works. Please contact Public Relations or the Youth Services Department for more information.

Games at the Library

The Youth Services Department has several games available for in-library use. Just stop off at the Youth Services desk and ask for any of the following games: Hangman, Uno, chess, Go Fish, Old Maid, War, or Crazy Eights. A library card must be left as collateral to use these games.

Library Tours

Group tours, research instruction, and storytimes are available in the Youth Services Department for children through grade 8. If you are interested in bringing in a group of six or more for one of these services, contact Youth Services, (708) 422-4990 to schedule an appointment. Programs are available September-April.

Library Programs

Baby Business is for babies aged 6 to 24 months. Stories, fingerplays, songs, and Mother Goose rhymes introduce rhythm and language to the young child.

Toddler Time is for our 2 to 3 year olds. Stories in books, songs, games, fingerplays, and flannel boards introduce literature to the young child.

Preschool Storytime a program where children 3 to 5 years old can experience a social activity on their own and are introduced to new stories and activities.

After School Storytime offers storytelling, read-aloud's, songs, and games just right for kids in kindergarten through second grade.

Please be aware that preference is given to Oak Lawn residents and students. Residents of other communities will be placed on a waiting list until it can be determined whether they can be accommodated.