Kids

Monterey County Free Libraries offers a diverse range of programs to inspire and empower children of all ages, from storytimes and craft activities to homework support and resources. Youth can explore the collection of books, or utilize technology resources to enhance learning.

Visit your local branch to see how the library can be a valuable partner in your child's growth and development. You can even request classroom visits.

  Library Services

Early Literacy Mobile Outreach
eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines
Event Calendar
Reading Machine and STREAM Services
Student Resources
Student Support Centers

  Books

Award Winners

• Caldecott Medal
  The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the ALA to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
• Coretta Scott King Award
  Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King by recognizing outstanding books by African American authors and illustrators. The award encourages the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and the graphic arts.
• Ezra Jack Keats Award
  The award is given annually to an outstanding writer and illustrator early in their career. The winning books constitute a diverse library of outstanding children’s books.
• Pura Belpré Award Winners
  This award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Recommended Reading

• Accelerated Reading
  Students, teachers, parents, and librarians can search in English or Spanish using criteria such as ATOS book level or a Lexile™ measure, interest level, title, author, fiction/nonfiction, subject, award-winners, state lists, CCSS Exemplars, and more.
• Book Wizard
  Scholastic Book Wizard lets you search the reading level of a book and get reading recommendations based on the level you want.
• California Reading List
  Prekindergarten through Grade Twelve (Recommended Literature List) is a searchable database of books for children and teens which helps students, teachers, and families find books that entertain, inform, and explore new ideas and experiences. The list is updated annually with the latest and best in children’s and young adult literature. These selected titles should not be viewed as an all-inclusive list, but as a way to encourage reading and find quality books.
• Lexile
  Lexile measures provide a scientific approach for matching students with ability-appropriate text and audio resources. Lexile measures help differentiate instruction and monitor growth in reading and listening, putting students on the path to success in school, college and careers.

eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines

Monterey County Free Libraries subscribes to different services that provide eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. Libby and Palace Project might be the most well known, but you can find more on this page, including Tumblebooks. Tumblebooks is a great resource for tech-savvy kids that teaches them the joy of reading in a format they’ll love.

MCFL also has other book services that maybe you aren't familiar with. Dial-a-Story allows you to listen to a story anytime, anywhere by calling 833-613-2331. You can also stream a story by visiting the Storytime Commons or our YouTube page.

  Additional Information and Resources

• Internet safety for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
• Homeless and Low Income Student Resource Guide
• Undocumented and Dreamer Information