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For Youth
Welcome to the Youth Services Department
The Traphene Hickman Library's Youth Services Department strives to serve children, their caregivers, teachers, and members of the community. We present a wide variety of programs geared and tailored to various age groups from birth-tweens. Services offered reflect the culturally rich and diverse community that Cedar Hill is proud to have.
Storytimes
Join us at our storytimes here at the library where youth will listen to engaging books, sing songs, and create their own craft masterpiece! Storytimes are offered throughout the week at various times for different age groups.
To ensure storytimes run smoothly we encourage parents & caregivers to go to the storytimes for the intended age group audience. To see storytime offerings, visit the library's calendar.
Tween Programs
The library offers ongoing programs geared towards ages 8 through 12. These programs reflect the unique interests of the tweens in the community! Whether it's crocheting, movies, games, book clubs, storytelling, and more, there is something for every tween! To see all the tween programs visit the library's calendar.
Youth & Family Programs
Here at the library, we strive to offer programs for each and every age group! Youth can participate in STEM programs, Paws & Reading Tutors, art programs, and more! Not only do we have things for youth but there are events for the whole family to attend! To see all youth & family programs visit the library's calendar.
Families are an important part of the Cedar Hill community and the Traphene Hickman Library wants to connect them with resources and services such as early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support.
About Family Place Libraries
Family Place Libraries is a network of children's librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. The Family Place Library supports the essential role of parents as first teachers and addresses the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of child development to help build a foundation for learning during the critical first years of life.
By partnering and working with other social, health, and educational services providers, the Family Place model aims to ensure that all children enter school ready and able to learn and positions the library as a key early childhood and family support organization within the local community.
Funding
The Traphene Hickman Library Family Place Program is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (2016).
Services Provided
By joining the Family Place network the Library will build on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. As a Family Place Library, we will feature the following core elements:
- A bright, colorful, and welcoming space for young children and their parents.
- A collection of books, toys, videos, music, and other materials for babies, toddlers, parents, and service providers
- Access to resources that emphasize emergent literacy, reading readiness, and parent education.
- Developmentally appropriate programming, such as baby and toddler storytimes for younger children and their parents.
- Outreach to new and underserved populations.
- Play Groups featuring local professionals, such as nutritionists, speech and language therapists, and child development experts, who serve as resources for parents.
Early Literacy Stations
We have 2 Early Literacy Stations set up in the children's area of the library. They are all-in-one touchscreen computers designed specifically for children ages 2 to 8.
The AWE Learning software included on these stations provides an expansive library of educational applications that are eclectic and engaging. From Math Doodles to Dora the Explorer, there is something special available for every child's learning preference.
Lightbox Learning
Media enhanced eBooks that engage, inspire, and motivate learners. Fiction and Non-Fiction titles available for grades K-6th and homeschooling families. Each title has interactive lessons and videos for an array of subjects! Bi-lingual titles available as well.
Parent Powered
Parent Powered is a research-based text messaging program for parents. Each week, you will receive fun facts and easy tips to boost your child's learning. All parents want their children to succeed but many run out of ideas. Parent Powered can help!
To sign up text "ZULA" to 70138. No cost for signing up, data and message rates may apply. You can choose to stop receiving Ready4K texts at any time by texting STOP to 70138. If you have additional questions or for help with Ready4K, you can text HELP to 70138.
ParentTV
ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand parenting videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through to teenage years. ParentTV works with leading psychologists, pediatricians, mental health specialists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, and parenting educators across the globe. Search and find videos on general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology, and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Other Resources & Websites
- Kidlittv
- Science News
- Safekids
- Can Do Helper Page
- Cool Science Projects
- SAG Storyline Online
- ABC Mouse Library Edition
Homeschool Resources
2024 2X2 Reading List
Recommended books for children ages 2 to Grade 2 to encourage voluntary reading.
View the 2024 2X2 Reading List
2024 Día Reading List
The 2024 Día booklists provide engaging stories representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds to share with children from birth through 8th Grade.
View the 2024 Día Reading List
2024 Little Maverick Reading List
The Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List is a recommended reading list designed for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade.
View the 2024 Little Maverick Reading List
2024 Tejas Star Reading List
Bilingual reading list for ages 5 to 12.
View the 2024 Tejas Star Reading List
2024 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
Nonfiction gems for all ages.
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Teri Nelson
Youth Services Supervisor
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Chelsey Randel
Teen Librarian