Where The Child Things Are

Youth Department staff announce their winners in their mock Caldecott Medal competition!

Posted: January 22, 2022

By: GEPL Staff

The Randolph Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. To choose the winner and honor books, GEPL Youth Department

Career Paths

Posted: November 23, 2021

By: Tom Malinowski, Middle School Librarian

When is the right age to start looking into careers? The answer is that it is never too early! Many people believe that children should investigate career paths around age five. Wow—it’s definitely possible. There are plenty of picture books and non-fiction books for pre- and early readers that feature careers—in medicine, law enforcement, travel,

person sitting on bench outside looking through binoculars

Full STEAM Ahead!

Posted: October 26, 2021

By: Sophie Kenney, Youth Department Assistant Director

We are so excited that we have new STEAM Kits available for checkout in the Youth Department! Each bin contains curated items like games, activities, books, and DVDs that introduce children to a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math (STEAM) concept through fun, inquiry-based learning experiences. We hope that these kits stimulate curiosity and help

Introduction to 3D Printing

Posted: September 28, 2021

By: GEPL Staff

Are you curious about 3D printing but not sure how to start? Watch a walkthrough of the process below or email skenney@gepl.org to schedule an introductory tutorial. Sophie Kenney, Youth Department Assistant Director, will cover the basics of 3D design and modeling using Tinkercad, a free, online 3D modeling web application. No experience necessary, but

Learn a Language: Duolingo, Duolingo ABC, and Droplets: Drops for kids

Posted: August 10, 2021

By: GEPL Staff

Kids who are interested in learning a language or supporting their language learning can now use Duolingo, Duolingo ABC, and Droplets: Drops for kids for free! The library has iPods that are preloaded with the Duolingo, Duolingo ABC, and Droplets: Drops for kids apps that cardholders can borrow for three weeks. The apps allow kids

Explore Photography

Posted: July 23, 2021

By: Jacquei Hyde-Young, Youth Associate

Photography is a great hobby, and frequently produces kids and their grownups can explore photographic art this summer in lots of ways! Experience some of the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago virtually. Grownups should preview the content, just in case there is anything you don’t want to share with your

Celebrating 20+ years at GEPL

Posted: July 9, 2021

By: Melissa Hilt, Community Engagement Librarian

In June I celebrated my 20th Anniversary working at the Glen Ellyn Public Library! My Top 10 Favorite Memories are listed below. I can’t wait to see all the fun things that are still to come! 10. Making fudge in a bag at a high interest day 1. Tied for first would have to be

Process-Based Art

Posted: June 23, 2021

By: Alexa Moffat, Youth Associate

I’m a busy parent. Anything my kid has made recently did not involve me, and you know what – that is ok! Open-ended, process-based creation is beneficial for kids, and while the results may not be as cute as a product-focused art project, it helps your child develop their senses of curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

Find Frida Resources at the Library

Posted: June 21, 2021

By: Sophie Kenney, Youth Department Assistant Director

This month, after you’ve completed the Find Frida Scavenger Hunt, come to the library to complete a drawing entry and pick up a small prize. While you’re here, we encourage you to learn more about Frida Kahlo. Frida’s life was full of challenges, but she was able to channel those experiences into art that was

Have you seen the tent in our parking lot?

Posted: June 14, 2021

By: Amy Waters, School Liaison

On Tuesday, June 1, the Glen Ellyn Public Library began our annual summer lunch program. Monday through Friday between 11 am and Noon, library staff are in the parking lot under the tent handing out lunches to any child 18 years old or younger. Drive, walk, or ride your bike to the library for lunch.