Shark Adventures

Kids and grown-ups are fascinated with the world of SHARKS! Join us this Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 for SHARK stories, a special guest, and crafts. We'll explore real facts about SHARKS and we'll laugh out loud at make believe SHARK adventures.

Take a Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the Children's Services department at the Main Library.
Our incredible aquarium alone is worth the visit!

What are the tiny, shiny balls in the aquarium?

The clownfish have laid eggs! This means they are feeling safe and well-fed. The male and female clownfish are very protective of their eggs.

Want to learn more? Click here to find out more about the fish in the Children's Services aquariums. And ask us where to find books about clownfish and other fish. We are happy to help you find the information you need!

Sea Creatures at the Library?!

If you can't make it to the beach today to check out the tide pools, stop by the Children's Services department and spend some time at the reef aquarium. You are sure to find some fascinating sea creatures!

Starfish

On my last vacation I visited the Pacific Ocean and found this starfish in a tide pool. It was pretty cool! You don't have to go all the way to the Pacific to see a starfish, stop by Children's Services and check out the amazing aquariums today.

Children's Services Department Video!

Check out the new Children's Services department video!

Fish Guide Now Available Online!

The three aquariums in Children's Services have been an exciting focal point for visitiors since we opened. People of all ages -- toddlers through grandparents -- are captivated by the beauty and variety of life in the 275 gallon tanks.


One of the frequent questions we receive is "What kind of fish is that? Or, in the case of our reef tank, a finger will point excitedly to an object in the tank with the question "Is that alive? What is it?"Now, thanks to the efforts of one of our fish-loving staffmembers, we have an online guide to answer these questions. Need help identifying any of the fish in our tanks? Check out the online fish guide!

We love our Fish

The aquariums are a very popular feature in the Children's Services department. Yesterday, when new sea creatures were being added by the folks from Sea Dwellers, kids and their families had an opportunity to look at some of the fish up-close.

Some lucky (and brave) kids even had a chance to touch one of the
newest residents in our reef tank: a big blue starfish, also known as a
BlueLinckia Starfish.

2007 - The Year in Review

2007 was a big year for Children's Services and the ACPL!

On January 27, 2007 the renovated Main Library opened in downtown Fort Wayne.

In February 2007, Children's Services kicked off the year of programming with many wonderful programs, including Paws to Read.



In March 2007 we sang Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat.

In April 2007 the installation of the Reading Tower began.

In May 2007 many families played together in the Early Learning Center.

In June 2007 we released our painted lady butterflies out on the Library Plaza.

In July 2007, Pinkerton stopped by for a visit.

In August 2007, kids watched a rocket launch out on the Library Plaza as part of the 3, 2, 1, Blast Off! program.

In September 2007 kids met some of the sea dwellers in the aquariums up close during a special program.

In October 2007 the Art Out of the Box participants painted an art car on the Library Plaza.

In November 2007 over 500 people made crafts and shared memories as part of the Day of the Dead program.

On December 31, 2007 we prepared for another year of questions, programs and fun at the Library!

Fish, Beautiful Fish!

Since the Main Library reopened in its beautiful new facilities nearly a year ago, many people have come to see our aquariums. The Children's Services department has three, large, salt water aquariums. Each aquarium has very colorful fish.

One of our tanks is a "reef tank" which means it contains all manner of living creatures including "live rock" or coral.