We might not be able to offer in-person programs for kids this summer, but don't worry! Our puppets had a great idea. Join them for our Puppet Show Extravaganza later this month.
Recent additions to the collection
Programs, Events, Services and Recommendations for Kids
Every Child Ready to Read
A Project of the American Library Association
adopted by the Kingston Frontenac Public Library in 2010
Before children can learn to read, they must develop a range of early literacy skills. Learning begins the moment they are born, through language and play. By weaving five simple practices into your daily routine, you will not only prepare your child for reading later on, but you’ll enjoy hours of fun together too!
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library is proud to partner with our communities’ parents and caregivers to help raise young readers by providing free access to thousands of books and music recordings. As well, all of our programs for young children focus on developing pre-literacy skills, and use the five simple practices outlined here.
The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) has created an infographic, What Happens During Storytime at the Public Library, that summarizes the information found in its report, “Preschool Early Literacy Programs in Ontario Public Libraries”.
Talking
Children learn about language by listening to their parents talk and joining the conversation. Use new words, give your full attention to what they are saying, and ask questions to keep them talking!
Singing
Songs help children learn to listen, discover rhythm and rhyme, and slows down language so that they can hear different parts of words.
Reading
Reading together is the single most important activity you can do to help them get ready to read! They will learn how books and written language work, and they’ll increase their vocabulary. Deepen the experience by asking questions and involving them in telling the story.
Writing
Reading and writing go together! Once your child can grasp a thick crayon or marker, give him or her unlined paper and plenty of opportunities to draw and write.
Playing
Play is how children explore their world! It builds their imagination, their self-confidence, and their language skills. Playing to get every child ready to read; books with movement, props or puppets.
Museum & Park Passes
The library lends passes to provincial parks and local conservation areas, as well as popular museums in Kingston, Brockville and Ottawa. These passes may be borrowed for one week and can be reserved in the library catalogue.
Go Explore #In Frontenac
KFPL, in partnership with the County of Frontenac, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and Ontario Parks, is making it easier for you to get out and get active this summer. Customized backpacks, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, include a day pass to the park and field guides to help you get the most out of your visit. Packs may be borrowed for one week, and are available for:
- Bon Echo Provincial Park
- Frontenac Provincial Park
- Gould Lake and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Areas
- Sharbot Lake and Silver Lake Provincial Parks
In partnership with the Rideau Trail Association, we also loan backpacks to help you plan exciting adventures on the free hiking trails running through Kingston and the County of Frontenac. Customized backpacks contain laminated trail maps, helpful tips for a safe hike, and field guides to help identify the birds and animal tracks you discover along the way. Packs may be borrowed for one week.
*Please note that the Ontario Parks pass found in each provincial park backpack is valid at any Ontario Parks site for day use only. Some parks have seasonal hours of operation.
In Kingston
A combined pass allows access to both the Pump House Steam Museum and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum for a group of up to 5 individuals. These museums are open seasonally, so please visit their websites for hours of operation.
In Ottawa
Three passes are available for museums in Ottawa. A single pass for the Canadian Museum of Nature will admit a family group of five (maximum of 3 adults per group). A single pass for the National Gallery of Canada will admit a family group of two adults and three youth (children under 12 are always free). A single pass to the Ingenium will admit a family group of two adults and four children to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Please visit their websites for hours of operation.
In Brockville
An Aquatarium pass will allow up to five individuals to attend the Aquatarium for only $5 (+hst) per person. This will be an amazing value to individuals and will save them up to $75 for five individuals. Please visit Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing to plan your visit.
Get hands-on with some cool new projects!
Meredith is back with her popular Youtube series! This time around we have a new focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Join us every Wednesday during July and August by visiting the playlist on our Youtube channel. Offered in partnership with Queen's Science Quest.
OverDrive For Kids
Discover the natural world
Young naturalists can join Elizabeth for outdoor adventures on our Youtube channel. Our early episodes of Words from the Wild focused on different animals each week. We're expanding this summer to offer longer episodes that will include outings into the lakes and forests of Kingston Frontenac, plus visits by some special guests. Subscribe to our channel so you'll never miss an episode!
Showtime with Team T&J!
Team T&J will kick off our summer of virtual programming for kids of all ages. Get ready to groove with a musical show on the themes of teamwork, togetherness and diversity! Watch the recorded performances on KFPL's YouTube channel starting on June 27th!
The TD Summer Reading Club is back!
Our annual summer reading program for kids will be offered online this year. Let's make this our biggest year yet! TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. Register at the TD Summer Reading Club site starting June 15th.
Notre club de lecture pour enfants est en ligne cette année. Le Club de lecture d’été TD est le plus important programme de lecture d’été au Canada. Bilingue et gratuit, il est destiné aux enfants de tout âge, quels que soient leurs goûts et leurs aptitudes. Inscrivez au www.clubdelecturetd.ca à partir du 15 juin. Regardez la vidéo en français.
