Youth Services
Youth Services Program Registration Information
For information regarding Youth Services, please call 708-458-2880 x 106.
Please check out the calendar link here or pick up a brochure and calendar at the Youth Services desk.
Space is limited and a maximum capacity number has been set for each program.
Some programs require that participants be within a certain age range.
Age requirements will be enforced to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
Age requirements will be stated in the brochure or on the website.
Thank you for your understanding.
Unattended Children Policy
Proposed 9-13-21 Adopted 12-13-21
The Bridgeview Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for patrons of all ages. Youth services staff members are committed to helping children with activities related to the library, but staff members do not supervise children and will not serve as caregivers, teachers, or disciplinarians.
Parents are responsible for the behavior and well-being of their children at all times.
Children nine (9) years of age and younger must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 16 years of age and able to attend to the child’s safety and ensure appropriate behavior. If a child nine (9) years of age and younger is found unattended, a staff member will attempt to find the caregiver in the building. If the caregiver cannot be located, police will be called. Library staff will stay with the child until police arrive.
Children ages 10-13 years of age may use the library unattended for a total of 3 hours per day providing they are able to maintain acceptable behavior and act respectfully to other patrons and staff. After 3 hours, children must be picked up from the library.
Children 14 years of age and older may use the library without time restriction and without supervision providing they are able to act with respect, maturity, and adhere to the library rules and policies.
All patrons, including children, are subject to library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor. Repeated violation of rules or policies may result in parents needing to be with a child even if the child is 10 years of age or older. All children must have contact information for a parent or caregiver in case of emergency, library closure, or rule violations.
In the event that any child 13 years of age or younger is still on the library premises after the library closes to the public, the police will be called to pick up the child. Attempts will be made during that time to reach parents if possible. In NO instance will staff take a child home.
Scholastic Teachables
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Looking for ways to support your student's learning?
Try Scholastic Teachables... now available with your library card!Scholastic Teachables offers access to ready-to-go lesson plans and activities for any school subject, making it the perfect tool for teachers, busy parents, and homeschooling families.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Prepare your child for Kindergarten and learning to read by participating in Bridgeview Library's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program!
Sign up at the library to receive a reading log. Each time you read 100 books, return your reading log to the library for a special reqward and see your child's name go on our milestones display. Take home a new reading log for your next 100 books.
Can I really expect to read 1,000 books to my child before Kindergarten?
YES YOU CAN!
Read a book (any book!) to your newborn to 5 year old child. You may repeat books and have them count! If you read just one book a night, you will have read 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in just two years and 1, 095 books in three years! And that's if you just read 1.
Stop by Youth Services or call 708-458-2880 x 106 for more information!
Math Resources
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Looking for help to find books for your child to read?
Check out these great websites!
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Encouraging Your Children to Read
The links below will take you to sites that provide great suggestions for helping your child develop and maintain an interest in reading. Check back often - we'll keep adding and modifying the list of suggested links.
20 Ways for Parents to Encourage Reading
Resources from Reading is Fundamental (RIF) - Literacy Central
Tips for Reading Aloud with Elementary School Children
Choosing Books for a Reluctant Reader
Best Children's Book.org
This website is created by teachers and general public. It's a good source if your looking for books by subject or level.
Great Books
Newbery Medal
Recognizes distinguished contribution to American children’s literature.
Caldecott Medal
Recognizes distinguished art in an American picture book.
Sibert Medal
Recognizes the most distinguished informational picture book published in English.
Geisel Award
Recognizes authors for their literary and artistic achievements that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading.
Internet Safety
On Guard Online - this site from the federal government provides tips for parents for navigation online safety including talking with your kids.
http://www.onguardonline.gov/
NetSmartz - this site created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has links for parents, educators, law enforcement to find information for internet safety. Each page provides presentations and links to more information. This site also has a link for parents with teens and a special section just for kids.
http://www.netsmartz.org
Cybersmart - this website created by the Australian government is great for resources and advice about being online safely for all ages.
https://esafety.gov.au/?from=cybersmart
FBI's Parent Guide to Internet Safety - this is a direct link to the FBI's informational pamphlet to online exploitation and the risks to your children.
Helping with Homework
Family Education
This site is packed with 'back-to-school' information - and it goes beyond homework help (although there is a great homework section here...)
The main back-to-school page includes links on getting ready for school, back-to-school safety, 'what parents need to know this school year', and even breakfast and lunch ideas and recipes.
Need a little more help with school work or wishing to educationally occupy your kids then this site is full of free educational worksheets for PreK to Grade 5.
Tips from scholastic to help your kids succeed in school from PreK to grade 8
Parenting Tips
Health and Parenting Center
This site from WebMD covers popular hot topics in parenting and health, popular searches as well as access to their online parenting community.
Planned Parenthood - Tools for Parents
Great source for tips on talking to children about growing up