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Keene Public Library

Schedule a Group Visit to the Keene Public Library

What better way to introduce young children to the Library than to bring them in for a tour! The library can be a fun and educational place to visit, and we welcome child care centers, preschools, clubs, and classrooms to bring groups of children to the library.

The librarians at the Keene Public Library are happy to include a storytime, orientation, computer training session, or booktalks in a scheduled tour of the library. If you are interested in visiting the library with a group, we suggest you call and schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance. All groups must be adequately chaperoned and supervised.

With enough notice, teachers from Keene schools can arrange to distribute free cards to students during the visit. Teachers will have to send home Keene Public Library card applications to their students to do this.  The complete and signed applications will need to be turned into the library one week before the class visit.

Toddlers

A typical visit would include 20 minutes of songs, rhymes, and simple book sharing. Small groups of toddlers are welcome to visit the library, but we feel you will enjoy your visit more if you can bring several adults with you. Ideally, there would be no more than two toddlers per adult. Toddlers can also explore an age-appropriate section of the library, where they will find puppets, puzzles, and other fun toys to discover.

Preschool Visitors

A typical visit would be 1/2 hour to 40 minutes long and could include: 

  • A quick tour of the Youth Room with an emphasis on the Picture Book area. 
  • A storytime with books, fingerplays, and songs. 
  • A short explanation of how to get a library card, check out, choose, take care of library materials, and expected behavior while in the building. 
  • Free exploration of the youth department. 
  • Let us know if there is a special focus that you would like us to address. 
Kindergarten Visitors

A typical visit would be 1/2 hour to 40 minutes long and could include: 

  • A tour of the Youth Department.  
  • A puppet show with additional booktalks and fingerplays.
  • A short explanation of how to get a library card, check out, choose, take care of library materials, and expected behavior while in the building. 
  • Free exploration of the youth department. 
  • Let us know if there is a special focus that you would like us to address. 
1st Grade through 3rd Grade

A typical visit would be 1/2 hour to 45 minutes and could include: 

  • A tour of the Youth Department. 
  • A storytime with books, fingerplays, and songs. 
  • A short explanation of how to get a library card, check out, choose, take care of library materials, and expected behavior while in the building. 
  • Free exploration of the youth department. 
  • Let us know if there is a special focus that you would like us to address.  
4th Grade through 8th Grade

A typical group visit might last 45 minutes to an hour and could include: 

  • A brief tour of all public service areas in the building, including the Adult, Youth, Magazine, and Adio-Visual Departments. 
  • An explanation of basic library policies, including behavior, obtaining a library card, loan periods, and material limits. 
  • More detailed instruction on using Keene-Link, the library’s online reference and magazine databases, and print reference materials. Tips on how to search for report materials in specific subject areas. 
  • Book talks on a specific subject geared to your group’s interests and needs. Please let us know what you would like, and we will try to present a variety of good books for your group.
Extend your visit with books about libraries and reading
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If your classroom cannot visit the library because of transportation costs, please call us at 603-352-0157. We might be able to help you find transportation funds.

Have you considered the City Express to get a small group to the library? The City Express can pick up your group at any of the 16 designated City Express stops identified by the new Info-Post signs along the route. Call the City Express Dispatch Office (603-352-8494), and they can help you determine the best location for your pickup.