Children's Library
The Children’s Library provides a large selection of books, talking books ( CD & cassettes), DVDs and videos for children, young adults, parents and professionals
Facilities available include:
- Internet, CD ROM games and reference material for under 16s
- Events and activities are arranged throughout the year
- Visits from school classes, nurseries and youth organisations are welcome
- Lift access is available from the adult lending and multimedia libraries.
Children of all ages can join the library. There is no lower age limit. Indeed parents with children under 1 are encouraged to register, and take part in the Bookstart Bookcrawl and Bookstart Rhymetimes. Ask for details when you join.
Adults must show proof of address when joining their children. An adult guarantor's signature is required for all children under 16, but children aged 12 - 16 are given access to adult book and multimedia collections.
Under 12's
- Picture books, fiction and non-fiction
- Younger readers - stories for those just beginning to read by themselves
- Stories for 9 - 12 year olds
- Non-fiction
- Talking books - CD & cassette
- DVDs
- Video
Over 12's
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Talking books - cd & cassette
- DVDs
- Videos
- Parents Collection - books on childcare & information about Bookstart.
- Children can borrow
- 10 books
- 4 cassette talking books
- 2 CD talking books
- 2 DVDs
- 2 videos
BOOKSTART - The Extended Programme
Bookstart
Bookstart, the national baby book gifting programme encourages parents and carers to share and enjoy books with their children from as early an age as possible. The aim is to provide free books to all babies to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading which will give them a flying start in life. From April 2007, the programme was extended in Scotland to provide Bookstart Plus bags for all toddlers aged 18 – 30 months and My Bookstart Treasure Chests for children aged 3 – 4 years. To find out more about these programmes look at the official bookstart website.
Bookstart Scotland
Books and talking books are issued for 4 weeks. Dvds and videos are issued for 1 week. No fines are charged for overdue items borrowed by under 12's from the Children's Library.
Other services include;
- Free internet access for children under 16.
- Homework Help
- Microsoft office software for under 16s
- CD Rom games & reference material
- Scanner
- Events and activities are arranged throughout the year. Please ask for details.
- Rhymetimes
- Storytimes
- Author visits
- Programme of school holiday activities
- Summer Reading Club
- Venue for events from Storytelling & Theatre Festival.
- Children's Book Week
- World Book Day
Visits from school classes, nurseries and youth organisations are welcome. Group membership cards can be arranged.
Cracking Ideas National Competition
Do you have what it takes to come up with Wallace and Gromit's next business venture? Can you identify how intellectual property will help Wallace and Gromit protect their new business?
The competition is open to children ages 4 - 16, (with three age groups 4 - 7, 8 - 11 and 12 - 16). You can enter anytime up until the closing date which is 31 March 2010.
Why not participate through school or individually from home? It's good fun and you could win some fantastic prizes including a laptop or a bespoke trophy created by Aardman's model makers.
So what are you waiting for? Get your thinking cap on and click here IPO Cracking Ideas Competition
Opening Hours
Mon & Wed 9:00am to 8:00pm
Tues, Thurs - Sat 9:00am - 5:00pm
Click here for a list of all Opening Hours
Contact Details
Children's Library - Central Library
Rosemount Viaduct
Aberdeen
AB25 1GW
Tel: 01224 652546
ChildrensLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child have to be to join the library?
There is no lower age limit for membership. Indeed we encourage membership from birth.
How can my child join the library?
A parent/guardian must show proof of their address (eg recent bank statement, utility bill, or similar ID) and fill in a membership form. Your child can then borrow immediately.
What can a child borrow?
10 books, 4 talking books on cassette, 2 talking books on cd, 2 dvds and 2 videos. Books and talking books can be borrowed for up to 4 weeks, dvds and videos for 1 week. These can be renewed on two further occasions, in person or by phone.
What happens if my child damages a book?
We expect a certain amount of damage to items, especially those aimed at the very young. However, if there is persistent damage to items we may ask for the replacement cost.
What happens if items are returned late?
There are no fines on items borrowed from the children’s library on an under 16s card.
When do I get an adult card?
Young people between 12 and 16 will have a teen card, which allows them to borrow from the adult and children’s libraries. Full adult membership is available at age 16.
Can I borrow children’s items on an adult borrower card?
Yes, but it is much better for your child to have his/her own library card. Fines will be charged on late return of these items.
Can I leave my children in the library?
Children under eight cannot be left without adult supervision. Children over eight can be left for short periods of time if staff are informed.
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