a new kind of children's book

If you can't make it to the library but are looking for a great book, check out the icdL - the International Children's Digital Library. The ICDL has books for kids ages 3-13, and you can search by types of books, types of characters, cover colors, age groups, length of the book, language of the book and so on.

Read a great book today on your own computer!

Showcase Your Collection!

Do you have a collection of ancient dinosaur fossils? Rare jewels? Pirate dubloons? Maybe not. But chances are you have a cool Pokemon collection like our March collector, David, an adorable array of cats like our April collector, Annie, or something else just as cool. If you've been through the library in the last few months you've had the chance to see some of Watertown's funnest children's collections. We want to continue this tradition so consider signing up. Just ask one of your friendly neighborhood Children's librarians for more information.

Kid Books - Zoe, Age 9

Kid Books is a way to let your voice be heard! If you've read a book you like and want to write a review, just give us a copy at the children's desk and we'll put it on the blog.

A big thanks to Zoe for being the first reviewer!!

"I think 'Secret of the Sirens' is a great book. The author is very good at describing feelings, thoughts and the way some characters in the book can sense things.
I like all of the mythical creatures mentioned in this book. In every book I have read that has dragons in it has described them differently. But my favorite description yet has been in this really good book. I also like Connie. I just like her because she has great strength of mind, and she really seems like a kid (in the way that she just doesn't know everything).
I really think that 'Secret of the Sirens' is a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series." - Zoe (age 9)

Looking for a good book to read? Start with Novelist

Have you ever finished an amazing book and had no idea what to read next?

This happens to me all the time! I ask for suggestions from friends, but a lot of times I want to find a new book myself.

Novelist is a library database that is packed with great resources to help you find a great book.

From our website, scroll over the "research" tab and click on "databases". Scroll down to "Novelist" or "Home Access to Novelist". If you are at home, use your library card to log on!

One way to get started is to type in a book that you liked into the "find" bar and hit "search"...

OR you can scroll down to your age level and click on one of the lists!

Talk to one of the librarians if you'd like to have a quick demo!

Puppet Making

Are you a 3rd to 5th grader? Do you like puppets? Come to the Watertown Free Public Library to make your very own puppet with Gerwick Puppets on January 13th at 6:00pm!

Gerwick Puppets have performed at First Night Boston and at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Sign up at the children's desk, or call 617-972-6435 to reserve your spot in this exciting program.

This EqualAccess program is being funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. EqualAccess Libraries is a professional development program sponsored by Libraries for the Future.

games games everywhere

Bored? Board Games at the Watertown Free Public Library are a BIG HIT. We recently acquired board and card games at the library.

Kids come in to the children's room and ask at the desk to sign out a board game. It's a great way to make new friends, take a break from homework, and show off your awesome skills!!!

Come check them out.

Election time!

Elections are right around the corner, and while you may not be old enough to vote, we're hoping you're still interested in the elections.

Here are a couple of links that will be useful in helping you learn more about the candidates, current issues, and will even let you play games!

Election Connection

Election 2008