Children's Library

The Children’s Library serves the children of Athenæum members from their earliest days through young  adulthood. Located on the first floor of the building, the Children’s Library contains classic and contemporary  literature and fills two adjoining spaces that are designed to appeal to novice and more sophisticated readers respectively.

For younger readers, the Chris Library Preschool Room houses board books, picture books, and easy  readers. It also features a listening center, an aquarium, and cozy windowseats.  The C. A. Coolidge Young  Readers Room has classics and contemporary fiction, as well as non-fiction.  In addition to books, the  Children’s Library offers magazines and audio books.

Tumblebooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books that can be listened to or read. The selection of books includes story books, chapter books, new books, non-fiction, and language learning. There are also puzzles and games to play. Tumblebooks can be accessed from the new computer in the Children's Library, or from members' home computers. And it's easy to use! Click on "Tumblebooks" on the main Athenæum webpage under Electronic Resources , or the Tumblebooks icon on the Children's Library webpage.

Each autumn, children attending the My Athenæum Family Day event receive their own copy of the My Athenæum booklet, which contains stories, activities, and  spaces  for young readers to record their own reading, to draw, and much more.Children who are unable to attend the event may pick up their booklet when they next visit the library.

*New!* Read Reviews! Members of the Young Readers Book Group have written some book reviews about their favorites for all to enjoy. Find out what they liked, and what they didn't! You can read them here, or just use the "Young Readers Book Group" tab on the option bar above.

The Children’s Library has a special email update list for members. Use the following form to subscribe or unsubscribe from the list.