Guidelines For Youth Group Visits
The Library offers group programs and activities such as story times, book talks, and library tours for day cares, nursery schools, kindergartens, public and private schools, and youth organizations by reservation.
Due to the large number of schools and child care centers in Gaston County, it is impossible for the Library to provide programs on a regularly-scheduled basis for any group. The variety and frequency of activities/programs scheduled depend upon individual branch staffing situations, the number and nature of service requests received, and the physical capacity to accommodate group traffic.
THE LIBRARY ENDEAVORS TO SCHEDULE INDIVIDUAL GROUPS AT LEAST ONCE DURING EACH SCHOOL YEAR.
GROUP RESERVATION SCHEDULES ARE FILLED
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE AT ALL LOCATIONS
Preschool and Primary Group Story Times
For ages 3-5, and primary graders, K-3 - By reservation only
Groups should not attend a publicized weekly story time at any Gaston County Library location without prior reservation. Groups are most often scheduled at alternate times on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Intermediate Group Programs
For grades 3 – 6 - By reservation only
Library programs for intermediate groups include storytelling and “book talks” to introduce students to notable children’s authors and titles. Book-related activities stimulate group and individual participation.
Library Tours
For schools and youth groups, grades 2-6 - By reservation only
Library tours include brief discussions of library loan privileges and simple explanations of age-appropriate library procedures, resources, and services.
Please Note: The Public Library does not provide library skills instruction.
Main Library, Gastonia – Tours involve visits to the Children’s Room, and Technical, Administrative, and Circulation Service Sections, preceded by an age-appropriate introductory activity—story, booktalk, film, etc.
Program length: approximately 45 minutes
Branch Libraries – Contact the Branch Supervisor to inquire about content.
School Class Visits
Grades K-12 - By reservation only
The Library cannot function as a school media center. However, the Main and branch libraries will make reasonable efforts to assist local schools who wish to bring students to use library materials and resources. The Library seeks cooperation by requesting that teachers contact the Library to discuss needs and to schedule visits as early as possible in the school year. Class visits cannot be scheduled to coincide with public story times or scheduled group programs. Teachers are required to assist their students and maintain class discipline/control at all times.
Please Note: A parent or legal guardian must sign the application for a child's public library card.
Established lending and public access computer service policies and procedures cannot be suspended for students or teachers served during class visits.
Service to Adults
Library staff will gladly help individual parents, teachers, caregivers, group leaders, and children's literature students locate information and identify resources to meet their needs. Opportunities to speak to civic groups, PTA's, etc. are welcomed and accommodated as schedules permit. Requests for library resource help sessions or workshops are also considered.
Cancellations, Reschedules
The Library is challenged to serve all groups who request programs during each school year. Cancellations enable the Library to schedule groups on wait lists.
PLEASE CALL TO CANCEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF UNABLE TO ATTEND.
RESCHEDULES ARE ACCOMMODATED AS PROGRAM CALENDARS PERMIT, FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE.
To inquire about Library programs and schedules for organized groups, please call:
Children's Services, 704-868-2164, extension 3 - (Pre-K – Gr. 6)
Reference Services, 704-868-2164, extension 2 - (Gr. 6-12)
Program Coordinator, 704-868-2164, ext. 4 - (Special Library Events)