Children's Services Department Video!

Check out the new Children's Services department video!

Early Learning Center Mailbox

Look at this drawing that we found in the Early Learning Center mailbox!

Stop by the Early Learning Center with your preschooler today and draw us a picture.

Early Learning Center Mailbox

Look at the wonderful writing practice that has been happening in the Early Learning Center!

Preschoolers - stop by today with your grownup and drop a letter in the Early Learning Center mailbox.

It's a fun and learning filled day in the Early Learning Center.

Dad plays with baby Catherine as Muriel looks on.















Mom and Rigell enjoy reading together.











We love it when grownups and their children read, play, and learn together in the ELC!

Early Learning Center Mailbox

Another piece of mail from the Early Learning Center mailbox.

Keep those wonderful letters coming!

Frogs & Flowers & Friends & Fish & Feet & Farm & Feelings & Fun

Tomorrow is Letter Play Day at the Library, featuring our fantastic friend, the Letter "F." We hope you and your preschooler will join us for storytime at 10:30 and then stay to learn and play together -- all about the letter F -- in our Early Learning Center.

Early Learning Center Mailbox

The mailbox in the Writing Center is a favorite feature of our 2,200 square foot Early Learning Center.

Stop by the Early Learning Center and discover and learn with your preschooler today. Be sure to drop a letter or drawing in the mailbox while you are here. We would love to hear from you!

Early Learning Center Mailbox

We receive a number of letters in the Early Learning Center mailbox each week.

Pictured here is just one example of the creative work that we see. These early scribbles are an important pre-writing activity.

Stop by the Early Learning Center today with your preschooler and drop us a line!

It's C-O-L-D outside! Maybe you should bring your preschooler to the Early Learning Center at the Library!

Murphy and her dad love working puzzles together in the Early Learning Center.






One of the highlights of our Children’s Services department is a large room, approximately 2200 square feet, devoted to early literacy and pre-numeracy skills. This room is designed to be used by children age 6 and younger with their adults for learning play. It includes a wide variety of participatory learning activities including a drama corner, a writing center, and many reading nooks for adult and child to share books together. A major developmental focus of this room is the absence of technology; no computers, no video screens, no electronic buttons to push. Instead, children are encouraged to use their imagination in participatory, interactive, learner-centered play.




Drake and his mom learn about counting and numbers in the shopping area of the Early Learning Center.







Cousins Micah & Austen play with the train set with Austen's mom.









Gabriella and Fransisca enjoy the Writing Center as mom looks on.








Claire and her Grandma explore the "Babies Only" area of the Early Learning Center.








"Spaceman" Tyler and dad play dress-up in the dramatic play area.

The Early Learning Center focuses on the six primary early literacy skills defined by the National Research Council:

• Narrative Skills – Being able to tell or retell a story helps children understand what they read.
• Letter Knowledge – Knowing the names and sounds of letters helps children figure out how to say written words.
• Print Awareness – Being familiar with printed language helps children feel comfortable with books and understand that print is useful.
• Print Motivation – Learning to enjoy books
• Phonological Awareness – Becoming aware of the sounds and parts of words

This is a active learning space which draws families with preschoolers to the Library to play, learn, read, and have fun together.

Come on in and check it out!

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!