Children & Families

Sign up today for the Summer Reading Challenge! There are programs and prizes for all ages. Log points weekly and get fun prizes throughout the entire summer. Participants who reach 1,000 points are also eligible for a free book!

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This service is for patrons who would like a surprise selection of children’s books based on a specific topic or theme. Answer a few questions and we’ll select up to ten books to put on hold for you to pick up. After filling out the form, you will receive an email or text message within 7 days once books are ready to be picked up. You may receive more than one email about books placed on hold through this service. To see what holds were placed, you can log onto your account online or call the Library Help Line at 480-312-READ (7323) for more assistance.

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Launchpads are tablets for children pre-loaded with educational content. Every branch has a selection of tablets available to use in the building. Ask your local branch for more information!

ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand streaming parenting videos and courses designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through to teenage years. Search and find videos from experts on topics ranging from general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology and more.

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From storytimes to STEAM programs to art programs, we have something for babies and children ages 0-11! Visit our online calendar to learn more about our programs.

Read On Scottsdale was formed in support of Read On Arizona. The Scottsdale Public Library, working in partnership with the Scottsdale Family Resource Center and the Scottsdale Unified School District as well as other stakeholders seeks to ensure that all children achieve the third-grade reading benchmark. We are working together to address the challenges in improving reading achievement in Scottsdale – particularly among our at-risk children.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun, early literacy program that challenges families with young children to read 1000 books together before they start kindergarten. It is an independent, self-paced program designed to develop and encourage the development of a strong literacy foundation.

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All Scottsdale Library locations have AWE stations for the little ones. An AWE station is a self-contained computer system designed for young children to learn through interactive educational software. These stations are not connected to the internet and offer a curated selection of age-appropriate applications. All stations are first-come, first-serve.

Knowing & Growing is a series of programs for families that support the growth and development of young children. Aligned with the Arizona Early Learning Standards, programs are designed to relay information and develop new skills that support early learning through playful interactions with your child. You'll be Knowing & Growing together!

For dates, times and locations, visit our online calendar:

• Books Can...® (ages 0-4 / 45 min)

  A unique program based on Arizona's Infant & Toddler Guidelines and Arizona's Early Learning Standards that uses popular picture books, rhymes, songs and interactive activities to promote children's social and emotional development.

• Fun with Math and Science (ages 3-5 / 45 min)

  Join us as we explore math and science concepts in an interactive, playful way! Based on Arizona's Early Learning Standards for Math and Science, this course explores concepts and introduces strategies you can use with your child to help build and strengthen their mathematical and scientific thinking skills.

• Littlest Scientists (ages 2-5 / 90 min)

  Think like a scientist while engaging in playful exploration. Each week of the program brings new challenges.

• Stay and Play (ages 0-5 / 90 min)

  This series of play-based learning is for children up to 5 years old and their parents/caregivers. Your child will have opportunities to explore, create and investigate this intentional play-based environment. Each session also features a local resource professional who addresses a variety of early childhood topics.

• Step Up to Learning (3-5 / 45 min)

  This series is designed to focus on children's approaches to learning both socially and academically. Each session uses books, songs and parent/child interactions to help develop one of the most important domains of child development - how to learn.

Supporting your child’s early learning will help prepare them for school and life. Join us at one or more of your programs especially designed for your child ages 0-5. Together we will share books, songs and rhymes and enjoy singing, dancing and having fun all while learning together!

For dates, times and locations, visit our online calendar:

• Baby Cuddles (ages 0-24 months / 20 min)

  Developing babies' literacy and learning skills as they interact with their caregivers using songs, rhymes, movement and board books.

• Books 2 Boogie (ages 0-5 / 30 min)

  Share the joy of playful learning together! Children and their caregivers participate in music, movement and song in this program that promotes bonding and highlights the natural rhythms in language.

• Family Storytime (ages 0-5 / 30 min)

  Play and learn together using books, puppets, rhymes, chants and fingerplays to promote early literacy.

• Twos & Threes Together (ages 2-3 / 30 min)

  This fun and interactive program uses short stories, fingerplays and action rhymes to engage children and their caregivers in developing early learning skills.

TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love.

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Search for Accelerated Reader (AR) books by title, author, or topic. Find book levels, points, and quizzes to help support your child’s reading goals and track their progress.

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Scottsdale Public Library offers a wide variety of STEAM programs that support education that helps children develop the skills to become creators and inventors.

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