EMQ Families First Holiday Event

EMQ Families First held its holiday crafts event at the Boys and Girls Club of Fresno.  WoW! attended and introduced information about library services for children and teens.  Making new library cards (for many their first one!) is the first step to lifetime learning.

Terrance and Kenny getting ready!

Shannon explaining library services 

Even Librarians can Zoomba!

   

Kenny making library cards

Teens especially are excited about the upcoming grand opening (January 9, 2016 @ 1pm) of the Betty Rodriguez branch (located at southeast corner of Cedar and Shields) which will feature a "maker space."  "Maker spaces can be any area where people gather to make and create. These spaces often include 3-D printers.  In maker spaces, people share supplies, skills, and ideas, and often work together on projects."  http://library-maker-culture.weebly.com/what-are-they.html

"You have more than just books?!" questioned one child.  Many are surprised how many of our resources are available from your mobile device.

Our newest online service to get a "WoW!" is  Freegal, which lets you download 3 songs a week (to keep) and 3 hours of streaming- all for free with your library card.

WoW! promotes Early Literacy at EPU's Children's Center

EPU, Exceptional Children’s Center, welcomed Shannon and Kenny of the WoW! Team to promote free childhood literacy tools the library provides for parents during EPU’s Halloween Toddlerfest. 

Shannon and Kenny in action!

We made “Baby’s First Library Cards,” for kids aged 0-3, which gives children a head start on reading and developmental learning skills.   The library also offers Early Learning Centers at select branches which provide toys, games, and resources that build both literacy and the parent-child bonding experience. 

We showcased the library’s new children’s tablets, the LeapPad Ultra, and the iPad Air which are available for a 2 hour in house checkout, where kids can learn and play with new technology!  Parents were delighted to see how excited and captivated their kids were while using the tablets.  “My daughter was so well behaved; where can we use this?” said one parent.   Most branches have AWE Literacy Station touchscreen computers as well.

 iPad Air

Children's Tablet Checkout Locations (2 hour in-library use)

LeapPad Ultra- Cedar-Clinton, Fig Garden, West Fresno
iPad Air- Sunnyside, Mendota, Orange Cove

Parents were also excited about one of our most popular services “Dial-A-Story,” where you can call 559-600-TALE (8253), and listen to a children’s book read aloud.  A great way to keep your toddlers occupied and engaged!

And don’t forget to check the schedule of the Storytime events held at various branches!