Ask us about our Leading to Reading kits and workshops. These kits support literacy for children ages 2 to 7. They include books, a puzzle, a game. and activities.  Take the workshop, then check out the bags. Check the calendar for dates and times.  Check out our Leading to Reading page.

The Children's Computer Center

The Children’s Department has 3 game computers, and 3 internet computers and 2 computers with the Library’s catalog.   Microsoft Office 2007 is available for student use .

General Guidelines

• Children age 8 & up may use the computers independently.
• Children age 7 & under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Computer use in the Children's Department is limited to one hour per day, not including the Library Catalog.
• No more than two people may share a computer.
• Please be considerate of others. Anyone who becomes noisy or disruptive will be asked to forfeit his/her turn at the computer.
• Printing from all computers costs 15 cents per page (black and white) and 1.00 (color) and is collected at the Children's Desk.

Library Catalog

The Library Catalog is on all computers.
Computers #1 and #8 have only the Library Catalog.

Internet

• Internet in the Children's Department is available for children through grade 6. Teens and adults must use the Internet computers in Teen and Adult Services.
• Children must present their own library card each time they wish to use the internet. A parent or guardian must sign an Internet Use Contract for a child to use the Internet. Please see a staff member for more information.
• Sign up at the Children's Desk for a half hour time slot.

Word Processing

Sign in at the Children's Desk to use a word processor for up to one hour.

Printing for school or personal use costs 15 cents per page (black and white) and 1.00 per page (color).

Educational Games

• Games and game computers are selected and designed for use by children ages 3 to 12. Some children may not be able to fully access and enjoy the games without help from a grownup.  Librarians are available to troubleshoot hardware problems, but we don’t know how to play all the games!
• All 3 game computers are linked to internet websites with games for children.  Only game sites can be accessed; for full internet access, please sign up to use an internet computer.
• We have a selection of computer games and video games that circulate.
• Sign up at the Children's Desk for a half hour time slot.

To Reserve a Computer

Phone reservations are available for internet and word processing computers. Call the Children's Department at 203.385.4165 on the day you wish to make a reservation.

Reservations will be held until 5 minutes past the time slot. After that, another patron may be allowed to use the computer.

Computer Problems

Sometimes our computers are stubborn.

Please ask a staff member for help if:

• The computer is not turned on.
• The computer shuts down.
• The program stalls or an error message comes up.
• The printer does not respond or needs paper.

Please do not turn the computers on or off!