The Main Library also has special programs for children with various learning needs. One of these programs is called "Traveling Tales". This resource is a storytime program that parents and families can take home to enjoy together. It includes a thematic unit specifically designed to encouraged reading readiness and language skills for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Each unit comes with 5 books based on the theme, a CD and DVD, (depending on the unit, not all units come with DVDs), a flannel board story, a manipulative, (such as a puzzle), and a program manual that contains words to songs, rhymes, exercises, and other program ideas. When a family finishes one unit, they can turn it back into the library and check out another one. There are 76 different themes to choose from, (everything from airplanes to zoo). The Traveling Tales program focuses on each of the following skills:
- Oral language
- Emergent comprehension
- Phonological awareness
- Letter knowledge/awareness
- Emergent writing
- Print awareness/motivation
To check out a Traveling Tale, you must call the Main Library at 630-2417 to reserve a kit.
All of the Jacksonville Public Libraries offer programs for children ages 18 and under. Children ages 0-5 can come in and enjoy storytimes in the mornings. This program is usually offered 3 times a week, depending on the library branch you visit. School-age youths, (ages 5-12) can participate in early release day activities, (fun educational activities on early release Wednesdays) and arts and crafts. Tweens and Teens, (ages 12-18) can join book clubs that feature discussions on popular young adult books. They can also participate in arts and crafts. There are multiple online resources on the Jacksonville Public Library website that each of these groups can access for free. All of the activities described above are free and open to the public.
The second library I visited today is the Charles Webb Wesconnett branch on 103rd street, (next to Walmart). I was there for about one hour and 15 minutes, (from 1:15-2:30 pm). During the time I visited today, I did a lot of people watching. I noticed that 24 people were on the computers in the adult section, (the largest part of the library). At the same time, there were 5 people checking out books at the front desk, (2 children checked out materials as I was leaving the library). There were also 4 teens who were using the computers in the teen area. The teen area at Webb is very small; it is pretty much just one long bookshelf of fiction books, a round table with 5 computers, and a smaller bookshelf that contains a few teen magazines and graphic novels. It is located in the very back of the adult section of the library, between the tables and front windows to the left and the non-fiction section on the right. In the children's department later on in my study, I found 6 children on the computers. There were also 8 children who were studying or tutoring with an adult.
While I was studying the adult section of the library, I counted the number of people who were browsing the shelves for books. There were 10 people at the time walking through the stacks. At the various tables in this section of the library, 6 adults were reading on their personal laptops, cell phones, and tablets, or looking through the materials they chose from the shelves. One great resource that is available for patrons with special needs is the large print section. 6 short bookcases, (3 columns of shelves on each side) provide books that are written in large print that makes it easier for people with visual difficulties to read their favorite books. About half of this section was dedicated to fiction materials and the other half was occupied by non-fiction books. Webb library also has 4 aisles of audiobooks, (both fiction and non-fiction) that are available on both tape and CD. The foreign language section at Webb is also very limited. Only one aisle was dedicated to materials that were printed in another language, and that language was Spanish. Other libraries that are much bigger than Webb, (such as the West Regional branch), have a variety of materials available from multiple foreign languages.
Ok, we've talked about the materials you can find in the Webb library, so let's talk about some of the different rooms that are available. All of the libraries in Jacksonville have at least one room that you can reserve for private studying, teaching, or other events. In the area located between the front desk and the restrooms, there is a large, square room of glass called the e-classroom, (electronic classroom). There are several computers inside that can be used when you need to demonstrate something to a large group of people. Along the back wall by the front desk, you will find a study room. 2 conference rooms are located in a small alcove between the auditorium and the study room. The auditorium has a set of green double doors and is located directly beside the restrooms. At the time of my visit, all of these rooms were being used. People were studying in the study and conference rooms, and there was a seminar about filing your taxes going on behind the closed doors of the auditorium.
The website for the Jacksonville Public Library is also a valuable resource to use. The home page allows you to learn more about programs and events, access the library catalog, sign up for computer classes and the e-newsletter, and even ask a librarian a question. At the top right hand side of the screen, you can log in to your own library account by inserting your library card number and pin number. This allows you to check out/renew library materials, pay any fees you may have, and reserve materials to pick up. When you reserve materials, you can choose the branch that you want to visit to pick them up and they will be held for you for up to one week.
Screen Shot of Jacksonville Public Library Website
You can also use the website to find library locations and hours, access resources such as E-books and the special collections department, ask about volunteer and career opportunities, and much more!
Sign outside of Talking Books/Special Needs Library at Jacksonville's Main Library Branch
Spanish Materials Are Available at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch
You can check out books on tape too!
The word "Read" is displayed in various languages above the shelves in Webb's Children department
A peek inside the Talking Books/Special Needs Library at the Main Branch
Another view of the inside of the Talking Books/Special Needs Library
A variety of audiobooks are available at Webb Wesconnett
The auditorium at Webb Wesconnett
One of the conference rooms at Webb Wesconnett
The electronic classroom at Webb Wesconnett
A sign advertising for Story Time at Webb Wesconnett
Another view of the "Read" display at Webb Wesconnett
Celebrating Black History Month at Webb Wesconnett's Children Department
Children who are just learning how to read can check out YReaders
Brochure explaining the Traveling Tales Program at Main Library
Brochure that explains the various youth services available at all of the public libraries in Jacksonville
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