Library Resources & Programs

Sensory Room

The Sensory Room in the Kids Department is open Mondays from 9:30AM-7:30PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30AM-4:30PM. On Tuesdays through Thursdays the room is used for Exploration Stations, which focuses on early literacy activities but includes many of the same sensory elements. The room is open on a drop-in basis with no registration required. 

Sensory Kits 

Kids Sensory Kits, available for checkout with your library card, are designed to offer a variety of sensory materials and are meant to help with things like calming, motor skills, sleep, homework, and more. Click here to learn more about Kids Kits, and visit our Sensory Kit YouTube playlist for videos on each of our kits!

 

In addition, all library visitors can choose from a variety of Sensory Menu items to assist you during your visit to the library. Visit the Kids Department desk to request items including 

  • Fidgets
  • Weighted lap pads
  • Timers
  • Weighted vest
  • Noise cancelling headphones
  • Wiggle seats

Kids Programs

ALL of GPL’s Kids Programs are open to ALL children! The following programs may be of particular interest. If you have any questions or concerns about accommodations for your child please feel free to contact Katie at (317)881-1953 or kfriedericks@greenwoodlibrary.us.

Paws to Read 
2nd Thursday of each month; 6:00 PM

Children in grades K-5th grade register for a specific time slot to read to a therapy dog from Paws & Think. Children may bring a book from home or choose a library book. Registration is required. Space is limited based on the number of therapy dogs available to us. Click here to view a video about the program!

Virtual Programs

GPL is bringing the fun to you! Join us for virtual baby, toddler and preschool storytimes! Check our calendar for dates and times, as well as information on registering to pick-up craft kits for the programs. Did you miss a program? No problem! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to view past virtual programs!  

Reading Programs

1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Early Literacy resources from GPL

Reading Tips for Developmental Disabilities from Reach Out and Read

Kids Resources

The Kids Department of GPL features a Resources section where you can find books and curriculum for caregivers and educators on topics from dyslexia to autism. In addition, our 2nd Floor Reference Department features a variety of Nonfiction books on Disabilities, Education, Parenting, etc. Search our catalog, or talk to a librarian in the Kids or Reference sections for assistance locating additional materials.

Children’s Books

If you’re looking for books featuring characters with disabilities ask a librarian for help searching, or check out these resources to find titles.

Schneider Family Book Award
The Schneider Family Book Awards, from the American Library Association, honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. Visit their website to view current and past winners.

 

Disability in Kidlit
Disability in Kidlit features reviews of middle grade and young adult books with a focus on the disabled perspective. All of the site’s contributors identify as disabled. While they are on hiatus from new submissions, past reviews and their “Honor Roll” of recommended books can lead to some great finds.

Teaching Books
Teaching Books features author interviews, lesson plans, book trailers, and other resources. They feature lists of books in various cultural collections, including a Disability Collection featuring over 1,000 books.

We Need Diverse Books
View resources for finding diverse books on their website, or download the Our Story app and create a free account to search for books by type of disability, reading level, genre, etc.

Databases & Websites

INSPIRE Health & Medicine Databases
INSPIRE databases, from the Indiana State Library, are free to use from home or at the library.

KidsHealth
KidsHealth features doctor-reviewed advice on hundreds of topics, as well as sections for both kids and parents.

MedlinePlus
This free website from the National Library of Medicine features high-quality, accurate medical information that is easy to read.

Medical Library Association Top Health Websites
MLA provides a list of websites evaluated for credibility, sponsorship/authorship, content, audience, timeliness, disclosure, purpose, links, design, interactivity, and disclaimers.

Simply Sayin' Medical Jargon
Simply Sayin' is a free app that can help easily explain medical jargon, appointments, and procedures to children. This can help ease anxiety. 

Other Libraries

Autism Family Resource Center – Easter Seals
Located in Indianapolis, this center features a lending library, video resource materials, and software to create personalized visual schedules.

Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Library
IIDC offers access to thousands of books, kits, and DVDs throughout the state. You can search their catalog online. They will mail items for free, but you will be asked to return items at your own expense within four weeks.

Indiana State Library Talking Book & Braille Library
Patrons across the state can borrow braille books, digital audio books, large print books, audio magazines, and special playback equipment. Materials can be mailed to your home.
 
 
Find Us
Greenwood Public Library
310 S. Meridian
Greenwood, IN 46143
317-881-1953

Library Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 9am - 8pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed

Curbside Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 11am - 6pm
Friday: 12pm - 4pm
Saturday: 12pm - 4pm
Sunday: Closed

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