Youth Services

Youth Services Desk

About the Department

Located on the first floor.

Youth Services provides programs, materials and services for:

  • Children from birth through age 14.
  • Parents and caregivers.
  • Teachers.

Experience Programs

Children and families enjoy a wide variety of in-person events, including:

  • Storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Interactive programs led by our staff.
  • Live performers.
  • Volunteer opportunities for middle schoolers.

See our upcoming events below.

Any visit to the Library can be enriched by our ongoing activities such as art, crafts and scavenger hunts, available any time we’re open.

Upcoming Events

Toddler Storytime

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Toddler
Youth Services Program Room

Drop-in Cinnamon Ornaments

4:30pm–6:30pm
Youth, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Family
Youth Services Program Room

Toddler Storytime

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Toddler
Youth Services Program Room

Messy Art: Handprint Reindeer

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Preschool
Youth Services Program Room

Santa's Christmas Cafe

12:00pm–3:00pm
Youth, Family
Encore Room

Reading Programs

Our Library offers reading programs throughout the year, including 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and Summer Reading. Join and track your progress via Beanstack.

Join our Reading Dragons & Friends program at the Youth Services Desk.

Sign up for Beanstack

Sign Up for the Youth Services e-Newsletter

Receive email notifications about resources and upcoming programs from Youth Services and the rest of the Library.

Sign up for biweekly updates

Explore Our Resources

We offer popular fiction and nonfiction for pre-readers and readers up through middle school, as well as:

  • Graphic novels.
  • Parenting books.
  • Books in world languages.
  • Home learning resources.
  • Audiobooks and books with installed audio players for read-alongs.
  • Puzzles, games and learning kits.
  • E-rated video games and preloaded tablets with educational games.

Reading Recommendations

Get recommendations for your next read, based on the details that matter to you.

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Databases

Get trusted online information for homework and other learning through the Library’s wide range of databases. Do research, learn languages and connect with free, live online tutoring.

Browse our databases

Services for Teachers & Schools

To request the following services for your classroom or school, email us at youthservices@olpl.org or call 708-422-4990 ext. 400.

  • Assignment alerts: Tell us about your class assignments ahead of time — we’ll prepare the resources for your students.
  • Request books: Need multiple books for your class? Let us know, and we’ll gather them for easy pickup.
  • Request a program: We may host visits to the Library for school groups, including tours, storytimes and training in research skills. We can also visit schools and classrooms to provide a variety of outreach services.

NOTE: Requests are fulfilled based upon staff availability, so plenty of advance notice is recommended.