Children
We’re here to support parents and caregivers so your children thrive at home and in school. Learn more about our resources for children from birth to age 12 below.
Library Cards
Library cards are free for all Wisconsin residents. Bring a valid photo ID with your name and current address to any service desk. Residents ages 0-15 will need a parent or guardian present to sign for the card.
Learn more about library cards and accounts.
Classes and Events
We offer a wide variety of classes and events for children of all ages. From early literacy experiences for new walkers to S.T.E.A.M. based adventures for tweens, you’ll find it here.
Appleton Ready to Read
We designed Appleton Ready to Read for multilingual families with children ages birth to five. Based on the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read Initiative, we provide strategies caregivers can use to develop their child’s early literacy skills.
My family is multilingual and I’d like to sign up.
My family is not multilingual, but I’d like more information about early literacy skills.
Reading Programs
Looking for a fun program to help increase your child’s reading ability? We offer seasonal and year-round reading programs for children of all ages.
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
- 500 Books Before Middle School
- B.E.A.R. Bingo
- March Madness
- Summer Library Program (June – August)
Book Packs
Looking for a quick and easy way to pick up books for kids? We can help. Give us one week, a few topics, and we’ll assemble a pack of 15-30 children’s books and check them out to you. All you need to do is drop by the library to pick them up.
Kits for Children
Kits contain books and fun, educational materials designed to encourage exploration.
We designed the kits for children ages 2-12, but all curious minds are welcome to give them a try. You may borrow them for home or classroom use.
- You must pick up and drop off kits at the Appleton Public Library.
- You may check out up to five kits per library card at once.
- Kits check out for 14 days.
- You may renew each kit up to three times over the phone or online.
Click below to see a list of kits in our catalog. Choose one that interests you, place a hold on it, and follow the directions you receive in your email.
Reading Lists
Don’t know where to get started with a genre, topic or author? Check out our reading lists and discover books we love for readers of every age. View our lists for children, teens, and adults, as well as our staff picks.
Online Resources
We have a ton of free online resources for children and caregivers. See some of our staff recommendations below or view a full list of offerings.
TumbleBooks
A collection of animated, narrated picture and chapter books for children.
Teaching Books for Libraries
Multimedia resources and activities to supplement elementary, middle, and high school reading assignments.
NoveList K-8
Find recommendations and reviews fiction and nonfiction based on your favorite titles, authors, and genres.
Wi-Fi, Computers & Printing
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the library. Don’t have your own device to connect to the internet? No worries, we have you covered. We offer several computer stations you can use for free. In addition, we also have a multifunction printer available for your printing needs.
Email Updates
Stay up to date with all our events and services for children. Enter your information and click on “Children’s Services & Events” to subscribe.