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Kids & Teens

Our Children's Department has more than just books! Stop by our play area and use our train table, puppet theater, coloring page station, and more! We also have two learning station computers full of over 70+ games, interactive stories, songs, and art programs for kids to use while visiting the library.

 

Please check our monthly calendar for the latest up-to-date information on programs.

Toy Library 
toy library

We have a collection of over 50 toys that are free to check out! Not sure if your child would like a certain toy? Test it out, by exploring our collection and bringing one home with you. Our toys have a loan period of 2 weeks (with no renewals). Late fees apply.

Nintendo Switch & Video Games
We have over 25 Nintendo Switch (1) video games and a small collection of Xbox Series X video games that you can try out! Limit of one per family. Late fees apply.

video games

Don't own a Nintendo Switch? No problem! We also have a Nintendo Switch you can check and bring home with you to test one of the games in our collection on. (Library card holder must be over the age of 18 to check on the console and sign an agreement form the first time they check it out)
 

Tonieboxes and Tonie Figures
New to our collection, patrons can check out Tonieboxes! Already have a Toniebox? We have over 20+ Tonies that you can take home to use on your own Toniebox. Check out our Tonie Binder at the Children's Desk to see what we have to offer. Bring the binder to the Front Desk when checking out!
Limit of 1 Toniebox per household. 2-week loan period. No renewals. Late fees apply.
Limit of 2 Tonies per household. 2-week loan period. No renewals. Late fees apply.

This collection was made possible by the Friends of Tolland Library -- Thank you! If you'd like to see more collections or programs like this at the library, please consider donating to the Friends of Tolland Library! They provide programs, collections, toys, and more for our community!

Puzzles
Our newly added children's puzzle collection is a growing collection of free puzzles (100 pieces or less) that are available to take home and complete with the whole family. These items do not need to be checked out and are considered to be on an honor system. Simply bring the puzzle back once you are done and take home another one! We are always accepting donations of children's puzzles. Please call the Children's Desk at (860) 871-3621 if you have any questions.

 

Monthly Recurring Programs:
*Please note that Children's Programs are canceled when Tolland Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.*

sotyrtime
Story Time  
Most Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:15 AM.
Kids and caregivers are invited to join our children’s librarian on Tuesdays for stories, songs, crafts, and oodles of fun!
Toddlers & Kids. FREE. 
Due to limited space and supplies, registration is required for all participants.
Register on our event calendar or call (860) 871-3621.

baby reading

Baby Bookworms Story Time 
Most Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11:00 AM.
Join us on Wednesday mornings for board book read-alongs, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and playtime for your little ones.
Perfect for babies 0 -23 months.
This program is a walk-in event. No registration is required.

 

NEW! Toddler Tumblin' Time
Every other Monday (with registration opening the Monday before the event.)

Toddlers -- time to get some energy out! Join Miss Meghan for a free play group all about movement! Enjoy tumbling equipment, sensory toys, giant foam building blocks, jumping circles, tunnels, and more! This event will occur every other Monday. This event requires registration. Registration opens the previous Monday before the event.
This event is for ages 2 - 4.
This program was sponsored and made possible by the Tolland Public Library Foundation -- thank you!

LEGO Club
Meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of Every Month, 4:00 - 4:45 PM.
Attention LEGO lovers! Exercise your creativity, show off your skills, and attempt awesome challenges online. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Kids & Pre-Teens. No sign up required - walk in program.

 

"1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" 


Register to receive a folder with program info and your child's first sheet of stickers! 
Register at the Tolland Public Library Children's Department to receive a folder with your child's name. Each folder will come complete with program information, a page to log your first 100 books, and a sheet of stickers that will help you keep track.

Add a sticker to your child's log sheet every time they finish a book.

  •  Add a sticker when they read a book all by themselves. 
  • Add a sticker when someone reads them a story. It can be you, a grandparent, a babysitter, a sibling, etcetera.  
  • Add a sticker for every book they hear read aloud during story time. 
  • Add a sticker when they listen to an audio book.
  • Add a sticker when they read and eBook. 

If you need suggestions for what to read with your child, pay us a visit, browse our collections, and ask one of our friendly librarians for help.

Visit the library every time your child reads 100 books.
Visit the Children's Department when your child has completed a sheet. Every completed sheet comes with a special prize and a milestone sticker to congratulate your super reader.

Questions?
Call (860) 871-3620 for more information.  

 

Homeschool Resources
*There is a wealth of free and fantastic online resources.
Here is a selection of sites designed to assist and inspire home educators and students.*

State & National Resources:

Resources for Kids:

Resources for Older Kids & Teens:

Reserve titles from our collections or search our consortium:

 

The library also offers families: 

  • Awe Learning Stations: computers designed for children ages 2-12 and offering over 70 educational activities.
  • Hoopla: a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audibooks, ebooks and more with your library card. Get started here.
  • OverDrive: borrow ebooks and audiobooks using your library card. Get started here.
  • Museum Passes: click here to see the full list

Schools and Childcare Resources

Tolland Public Schools:

Additional childcare facilities and programs in Tolland: