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The Contra Costa Libraries offer a number of services to assist teachers and caregivers. Here are some things we can do to help you:
LIBRARY CARDS
  • Library cards are free for everyone.
  • When a teacher submits library card applications for his/her classroom, the classroom teacher may verify student addresses.
  • Parents must sign applications for children under 13 years of age.
  • Parents should not complete an application for a child who already has a Contra Costa County library card.
  • Teachers, please bring completed applications to your branch one week prior to your class visit to allow for processing.
  • Cards are issued at the time of application and may be used at all Contra Costa County Libraries.
  • Library card applications may be downloaded and copied.

The library also offers e-cards, which are valid for three (3) years. E-Cards allow access to the library's electronic resources and allow holds to be placed using the online catalog from outside the library.
Complete the online application to obtain an e-Card. The online application is also available in Spanish.
When you are ready to check out materials, pick up holds, or use the computers in any Contra Costa County Library location, you must come into the library to exchange your e-Card for a full-access library card. The signature of a parent or legal guardian will be required at that time for children under 13 years of age.

 

 TOURS
You can learn much about the library with your classroom, scout troop or other group. Our staff will provide a tour, story time or help with a research project. Please call your local branch to arrange for a tour.
  CLASS VISITS
Teachers may request an on-site visit from their local librarian. The librarian can read stories, introduce books, provide instruction on library resources or describe materials to help with a particular topic. Please call your local branch to arrange a visit.
  READING LISTS
Your librarian can suggest titles for your reading lists from reference books, bibliographies, periodicals and websites. Remember, the number of pages a book contains is not necessarily the best way to gauge the suitability of a title. Also, providing your local branch with a copy of your reading lists, like AR lists, can help us recommend appropriate books for your students.

 

STORY TIMES

Story Times are a free service at the Contra Costa County Libraries. Story Times are a unique experience for children in that such programs:

  • Promote literacy
  • Help develop reading skills and encourage a love of reading
  • Introduce children to a rich vocabulary of words and language
  • Stimulate imagination

Our staff is also available to bring Story Time to your classroom or childcare center. We select age-appropriate books, songs and fingerplays to share with the children

 

STORY TIME GUIDELINES

To make the Story Time experience a happy one for everyone:

  • Please arrive early
  • Please assist children in following the rules of the library, i.e. keeping voices quiet, handling books carefully.
  • If a child is having a hard time sitting or listening, please remove him or her from the area and rejoin the group again when the child is ready to listen.
  • Teachers and parents, please set a good example for children by not talking to others until Story Time is over.
  • Please turn off cell phones.
  • Continue the Story Time experience by checking out books to share with the children later.
  • Have fun!
  SUMMER READING PROGRAM
June – August
Students who continue to read through the summer months are better prepared to return to school in the fall. Our fun and motivational Summer Reading Program keeps kids reading by rewarding them with prizes for reading a required number of hours. Would you like to encourage your students to join the club? Please call your local library to schedule a class visit.

 

ASSIGNMENT ALERTS

Help us help your students. Let the Contra Costa County Library know when your students will need materials for class assignments so that we can work to ensure that resources are available. Please send us the following information:

Library:   

School:     

Teacher:  

Phone:       Email:

Class/Subject:   Grade Level:      

Date Assigned: Date Due:

mm/dd/yyyy                                  mm/dd/yyyy

Please describe the assignment, the materials needed (e.g. books, magazines), and any restrictions (e.g. no encyclopedias):

 

Thank you for helping us serve you better.