Kids & Teens
We offer a diverse collection of books, movies, technology,
and a wide variety of programs for all ages.
Come visit us soon!
Please check our monthly calendar for the latest up-to-date information on programs.
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 and songs, and art programs for kids to use while visiting the library.
We have 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 Reoccurring Programs:
*Please note that Children's Programs are canceled when Tolland Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.*
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 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. FREE.
Due to limited space and supplies, registration is required for all participants.
Register on our event calendar or call (860) 871-3621.
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. FREE. Call (860) 871-3621 for more info.
Anime Club
Third Wednesday of each month, 4:00 - 4:45 PM.
Practice manga-style art, eat exotic snacks, fold origami, watch, read, and discuss your favorite anime and manga. Pre-Teens & Teens. Call (860) 871-3621 for more info. FREE.
Dungeons & Dragons
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM.
Grab a character sheet and a set of dice and embark on an epic quest designed by local Dungeon Master extraordinaire, Jerry Rapone of “The Winding Way Forward Tabletop Adventures”! Experienced players and DMs are welcome to join and run their own games. Registration is required. Players should have a basic understanding of how to play before joining. Call (860) 871-3620 for more info.
Our club has a new format! We now have two groups that meet. Make sure you register for the correct group if you are interested.
Spots are limited! Registration is required.
"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:
- Connecticut Homeschool Network
- CT Learning Hub
- Home School Legal Defense Association
- Homeschool Central
- Homeschool World
- Homeschool.com
- National Home Education Research Institute
- TEACH CT
Resources for Kids:
- DK Find Out!
- Dinosaurs, animals, space, and more!
- Exploratorium
- Super STEM activities.
- Khan Academy
- Free video tutorials covering mathematics and language arts, an online summer camp, and much more.
- Magic Tree House Adventure Club
- Visit the library and browse our selection of Magic Treehouse books!
- PBS Kids
Resources for Older Kids & Teens:
- 50 Awesome Homeschool Activities for Teens
- Brilliant.org
- Math & Science problems for High School
- MIT OpenCourseWare
- Video lectures, worksheets, and open educational resources (OER) for home educators.
Reserve titles from our collections or search our consortium:
- “Dr. Beechick's Homeschool Answer Book: Q&A” by, Ruth Beechick
- "Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook: Preparing 12-to-18-year-olds for Success in the College of Their Choice" by, Cafi Cohen
- “Real Life Homeschooling: the Stories of 21 Families Who Made It Work” by, Rhonda Barfield
- “Teaching Tips & Techniques: Help for the Homeschooling Parent" by, Kathryn Stout
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: