At the Rochester Public Library we strive to provide a variety of programs to meet the needs and interests of our patrons. Click on the link below to see what programs we currently have scheduled. Please contact the Library if you have any questions.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a new Library program that encourages all Rochester area families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten. Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary. Each child will receive a reading log for tracking books, or you can download the app to track your reading. For more information, visit 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org.
When you reach 50 books, bring in your reading log, and get a small prize! At each 100-books mark, you get a “100 books!” sticker and prize. Upon completion your child’s name goes on the 1,000 Books Wall of Fame!
Khan Academy is a website you can feel great about letting your children go to! It offers free online courses and lesson practice in math, science and more!
The Lexile Framework for Reading: A Lexile measure is a valuable piece of information about either an individual’s reading ability or the difficulty of a text, like a book or magazine article. Click to get your Lexile Measure!
ExceleRate Illinois: Provides information on Early Literacy programs throughout the State of Illinois
Children’s E-books
Award-winning Book Lists
American Library Association List of Awards
Abe Lincoln Award (Updated for 2018)
Bluestem Award List (Updated for 2018)
New York Times Bestsellers List: Children’s Picture Books | Middle Grades | Childrens’ Series
Monarch Award List (Updated for 2018)
Rebecca Caudill List (Updated for 2018)
Toddler Time
Mondays from 10:10 – 10:30 am
This storytime is for kids aged 19-35 months with an adult. Siblings
are welcome as well! This energetic storytime is just right for your
tot. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome!
Baby Lapsit
Thursdays from 10:10 – 10:30 am
Lapsit story-time is for kids aged 0-18 months. Join us for songs, simple stories, movements,
and play! No registration required. Drop-ins welcome
Morning Storytime
Wednesdays from 10:30 – 11:15 am
Morning story-time is for children aged 2 to 5-years- old. We have fun listening to stories,
singing songs, making simple crafts, and with sensory play! No registration required. Drop-ins
welcome!
No Morning Storytime in December, April, or August
PAWS for Kids
will register your kids to read for 15-min intervals. Call to register. (217) 498-8454
Pixie will be available from 6:00—7:00 p.m. :
Tuesday, December 10th Tuesday, January 14th
Tuesday, February 11th
Gabbie will be available from 6:00—7:00 p.m. :
Monday, December 2nd | Monday December 16th
Monday January 6th | Tuesday, January 21st
Monday, February 3rd | Monday, February 24th
New Passive Program! With the Money as You Grow Bookshelf, children’s storybooks can help parents and caregivers build young children’s money skills. The Money as You Grow Bookshelf is a family financial education program that uses children’s books to help families talk about and discover money skills. It helps children and their parents and caregivers learn money concepts through reading, play, and quiet one-on-one talks.
Check out a suggested library book with the accompanying parent reading guide. The kiosk and reading guides are provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.