READ IT!
The Library is the destination for reading; we have tons of great books! Best of all? They’re free! If you would like help finding a good book, please don’t hesitate to ask! Staff members are happy to give you a recommendation. We have many booklists available on popular topics, suggestions for different grade levels, and read-a-likes.
Subscribe to one of our new arrivals lists and receive an email of hand picked choices from the youth services staff.
Calling all boys! We recommend checking out Michael Sullivan’s website, Tales Told Tall.
Teens, too! Check out book recommendations on the Teen Page.
More Book Suggestions
The Library also offers NoveList, an online resource that can help you find books just right for you. If you’ve just read a book and want to read something like it, NoveList can help. Look up the book you read and click on “Find Similar Books.” Select the subjects you liked about the book, and choose reading levels and other qualifications you would like.You can also use NoveList to read reviews about books, search by topic or genre (such as mysteries, fantasy, or realistic fiction), or search by Lexile levels. Try it out! All you need is your Hinsdale Public Library card number, and you can log in from home or in the Library.
Series and Sequels
Want to know the name of a book’s sequel, or find out all the books in a series? Here are two great websites from other libraries we use to help us find out about books in series.
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HEAR IT!
Audiobooks
Listening to audiobooks is an enjoyable activity for individuals or whole families together. Listening to books provides many benefits, including:
- Improves listening and comprehension skills
- Increases vocabulary
- Teaches the proper pronunciation of words
- Helps readers “see” a story by using imagination instead of illustrations
- Helps motivate children to read more by an author they’ve been introduced to through an audiobook
Come check out audiobooks on cassette tape, CD, or Playaway (one book loaded onto a digital portable player, like a pre-loaded MP3 player). For younger readers, we have kits with an audiobook and the book. You can also download audiobooks from home to play on your computer or MP3 player.
Music
We have a wide array of styles of music from favorite children’s artists to popular soundtracks. Not only does music encourage imaginative play, it is another great way to encourage early literacy in children and helps build up their musical intelligence. Try some of the popular artists we have in our collection.
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PLAY IT!
DVDs, Videogames and CD-ROMs
Bored? Need a new challenge? Want a creative and fun way to spend time with your friends and family? Why not check out some of our educational and entertaining DVDs or CD-ROMs. The Library also recently added videogame collection of Wii and Xbox “E” rated games. “T” games are available in the Teen Lounge.
KidSmarts Computers
The Library has six AWE Early Literacy stations, w hich are an all-in-one digital learning solution. The new KidSmarts computers are pre-loaded with educational and fun games for kids to play. 50 educational software programs are divided between seven curricular areas. Engaging graphics, intuitive menus and touch screen capability are high points of this system.
Ask a librarian to log onto a KidSmarts computer for you and begin your digital adventure. All kids are allowed one half hour turn on the KidSmarts game computers, but if no one else wants a turn, you can play longer. Some of these games may be available for checkout in our CD-ROM collection.
A portion of the funding for the new AWE Early Literacy stations was generously provided by the Hinsdale Public Library Foundation.
Internet Computers
The Youth Services Department has six computers to use for Internet and homework. Parental permission is required to use the Internet for children under the age of sixteen. |
