Children's Activities

Dial-A-Story

A child may have a story read to him/her over the phone by dialing: (618) 532-5374, Dial-A- Story.  This service is sponsored by the Centralia Junior Women's Club.

Preschool Circle Time

Circle time is for children, 5 years old and younger, and their parent/guardian(s); and will include stories, music crafts, and discovery time. Advance registration is not required for this program. Circle time is held twice a month in the Children's Library on the 2nd floor of the Main Library in Centralia. Call  532-5222 extension 224 for current time and days.

Summer Reading Program

Program designed to encourage toddlers and children through the sixth grade to read or be read to throughout the summer.  Story times and special guest speakers are planned to enhance the theme of the program and educate the participants.  The theme for Summer Reading 2011 is  a Midsummer Knight's Read.

Field Trips

Many groups use the library for field trips. The groups include school classes, day cares, scout troops, Soaring on Saturday.  If you would like to schedule a field trip to the Main Library, please contact the Children's Librarian at (618) 532-5222 extension 224. To schedule a field trip to the libraries in Hoffman, Irvington, Odin, or Sandoval call the library you wish to visit. Telephone numbers are available here.

Class Visits 

Some local schools and daycare classes visit the library on a regular basis.  The students check out books, learn library skills, and listen to stories.  The daycare students use the Learning Center and listen to stories.  Teachers may call (618) 532-5222 extension 224 to schedule a class visit to the Main Library. To schedule a visit to the libraries in Hoffman, Irvington, Odin, or Sandoval call the library you wish to visit. Telephone numbers are available here.

Discovery Room

The Discovery Room, at the Main Library, houses the picture book and toddler collections.  Also located in the room are a fire engine-shaped fire awareness bookshelf constructed and donated by the Centralia Firefighters Association Local #618 and the Metro East Professional Firefighters Association and the Sue Babb Memorial Parent Child Learning Center.  The Learning Center is designed for children six and under to learn and develop skills through play.  Each station has an activity for the child to complete under the guidance of the parent.  It is open during library hours and is available to any child six and under who is accompanied by an adult.  The theme of the Learning Center changes every six to eight weeks.