Port Arthur Public Library

Children's Services

Face Painting at Port Arthur Public Library 
(Activity Photo Gallery)

The Children's Division promotes reading and use of the library by children of all ages.

    Story Hour for pre-school children is on Tuesday at 10 a.m. during the school year (except on holidays).  Call the Children's Department (985-8838 x2237) for details.

    Pre-school and school age children enjoy the Summer Reading Program, co-sponsored by the Texas State Library, Friends of Port Arthur Public Library, and various local merchants.  Programs and special events are publicized through the newspaper, with calendars for the program available at the Library.

    Children's Librarian, Carolyn Carter, prepares and conducts programs, selects and maintains the children's collections, and provides reference and referral services to children and their parents.  As with all other collections, we appreciate recommendations of items to purchase for the Children's Division.

   Following are Internet resources for children and parents on selection of reading materials:

    Bluebonnet Lists: "The Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) reading program was established in 1979 [by the Texas Library Association] to encourage Texas children to read more books, explore a variety of current books, develop powers of discrimination, and identify their favorite books. The award process provides librarians, teachers, parents, and writers with insight into young students' reading preferences. It further affords an opportunity to honor and encourage imaginative authors who create books with high appeal to children."  from the TLA web page.

    Newbery Medal Books : "The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." from the ALA web page.

    Caldecott Medal Books : "The 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." from the ALA web page.