Parent and Teacher collections: There is a special location in the Children’s room just for parents and teachers. (Additional parenting items are also available in Adult nonfiction, 649’s)
Playhouse and Special Book Collection: Dedicated in memory of Lori Jean Watson (1971-1975), this collection offers fiction and nonfiction titles that feature Black youth and/or famous Black people and events. The hope is that this collection will inspire and encourage Black youth in our community.
Sprout Early Learning Backpacks: These backpacks are brimming with high quality early learning materials, books and activities with easy to follow activity guides that make learning fun! All materials are developmentally appropriate for young children and teach valuable concepts children need to know for school success. The activity guides provide easy-to-follow instructions, along with tips for in home connections and a variety of ideas to stimulate conversation that support learning.
The Conscious Child: Family Book Discussion Kits: The aims of these kits are: 1) to celebrate diverse voices; and 2) to help facilitate family discussions about the racial equity, identity, and justice. Included in these kits are discussion questions for each book, and a list of further recommended reading.
Story Bags: The Children’s Department offers Early Literacy Story Bags, thanks to an Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library grant. The thematic Story Bags include books, movies, and educational toys aimed at children ages birth – three, contained in easy-to-transport bags.
Baby Bags: Please visit us today to pick up this very special gift for your baby. To encourage the early use of the library, our “welcome new baby” bag comes with a new book, early literacy tips, and a variety of items for your newborn! (Thank you to the Friends of the Bloomfield Libraries for supporting this Baby Bag program).
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: A fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Learn more…
Special Interest Sites for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (NASP)
- Coping with Violence (NAYEC)
- Birth to Three
- Home school information
- Common core Standards
- 2-1-1 Childcare
Find Licensed Daycare facilities in CT. Search by town, age, and program type. - Center for Early Literacy learning
- Alliance for Bloomfield’s Children
- Adoption and Foster Care- Adopt Us Kids
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Policy
- Common Sense Media
“Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices and offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Our Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age”
Tools for Teachers/ Homeschoolers
Teacher Resource bags: These bags, available for checkout, include books to share with children, teacher resource books, and props. (Themes include Science, Math, Learning through play, Early Literacy, and Toddler & Preschool Storytime.) These materials are varied and best suited for children in preschool through elementary grades.
Book collection requests: You may request a class book collection in person or by calling 860-243-9721, press #2, to be directed to Children’s. This may be a special collection to supplement curriculum or a general collection which is age and level appropriate. A 24 hours’ notice or more is appreciated. Please note: parents may also call with this request.
School visits: You are welcome to set up a visit to the library with your class or invite a Children’s Librarian to visit your classroom. During times of COVID, we are unable to accommodate school visits. If you would like to request a virtual visit with a librarian, please call the library.
Further Information:
- Educational Resources
- Teacher Card Application & Policy: Teacher cards are available for area teachers (and homeschool teachers) with more flexible checkout duration. This card allows teachers to check out Bloomfield Public Library materials only. Holds for other libraries cannot be placed with this card. If material from another library is requested, personal cards can be used. DVDs and Videos (that only circulate for one week) can be charged out on your personal library card.