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Richard A. Mola Public Library

TODAY'S HOURS: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Currently Closed

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Kids’ Corner

THE MELVIN AND MILLICENT C. KAPLAN
CHILDREN’S ROOM

Youngsters have an abundance of reading materials in the Melvin and Millicent C. Kaplan Children’s Room, which was recently renovated with a beautiful multicultural “world of reading” theme. The attractive space incorporates colorful scenes of charming children and well-known buildings from around the world. This inviting room offers books of many genres, children’s computers, designated areas to sit and read, and space to quietly play. Children are invited to come in and enjoy their library.

Fun Links

Parenting Resources

Children’s Programs

The library offers a wide variety of free programs and events specially geared to children’s
different ages and grade levels. These activities are scheduled in advance and generally require
registration. Patrons are advised to consult the library’s calendar to keep abreast of programs
and events.

Story Times and Programs

Story Times and Programs are provided for children. There is no charge for participation.
Story Times and children’s programs are designed to meet the needs of the ages specified.
Children must be registered for the appropriate age group.

Children’s early age groups are generally divided as follows:

  • Babies — Under 18 months
  • Toddlers — 18 months to 36 months
  • Pre-K — 3 to 5 years
  • Kindergarten — 5 to 6 years

Children must be the age specified by the start of the Story Time or program session.

The library must be notified if a child is unable to attend a story time or other program. If a child misses twice without notifying the library, it will be assumed that the child is no longer able to attend. The library will offer their place to a child from the waiting list who will be contacted to join the program.

Caregiver Requirements

TODDLERS or younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian in the program room. Caregivers required to attend with a child may bring unregistered siblings to a program if numbers allow and if sibling behaves appropriately. However, parents must be able to participate with the child who is registered for the session.

PRE-K children may, but are not required to, be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver during a program; but parents or caregivers who do not attend these programs must remain present in the library.

KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN may attend programs on their own, but the parent or adult guardian must remain in the library throughout the program time. Because kindergartners may attend without a caregiver, there are no younger siblings permitted in kindergarten programs.

FOR AGES KINDERGARTEN TO FIFTH GRADE, children do not require a parent or adult guardian in attendance at programs.

Restrictions

Lateness. Late arrivals can be disruptive and distracting to the group. Those who are late are asked to please take a moment outside the programming room to remove coats, get settled, turn off cell phones, then enter quietly and join the program.

Behavior Problems. The library reserves the right to ask a patron to leave the story time or any program if the patron’s actions are interfering with the ability of others to participate in the program.

Food and drink are not permitted anywhere in the library unless they are part of a special program. Please do not bring snacks to story time or program sessions.

Cell phone use is prohibited anywhere in the library. Cell phones must be turned off during story time sessions and programs.

Unattended Children Policy
The Richard A. Mola Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages children to visit the library and use its resources and materials as well as attend library programming.

NJSA 9:6-8.21 prohibits parents from endangering the welfare of their children.
NJSA 30:5B-1 prohibits the library from functioning as a childcare center unless licensed by the State of New Jersey.

  • Children under the age of six years must remain with a responsible caregiver at all times unless they are in a specific program that does not require the presence of an adult.
  • Children six to ten years old may be left unattended but must have a responsible caregiver present in the library building.
  • Children eleven and older may use the library alone.

Children of all ages are not allowed to:

  • Engage in disruptive conduct including loud talking, rude language, making noise, running, pushing and fighting.
  • Steal, damage or mark materials, premises or equipment.
  • Misuse the restrooms.
  • Talk on cell phones
  • Bring food or drink into the library.

If a child fails to observe these library rules and regulations, the child will be asked to leave the premises.

Staff are not permitted to protect or monitor children or their personal belongings.

If problems arise while children are using the library or if they are left alone, the library staff will approach unattended children 15 minutes before closing to confirm that they have a ride home, and if not, staff or the child will attempt to contact a parent or caregiver. If the child’s ride has not arrived by closing, two staff members will wait with the child. At 15 minutes past closing, staff will call the Elmwood Park Police for assistance in locating the parents/legal guardian/caregiver. Staff are not permitted to escort the child off library property nor to drive the child home.

Parents, guardians or caregivers, not the library, are responsible for the behavior of their children or dependent persons using the library and may be responsible for damages caused by their children or dependent persons.

Adults who visit the children’s library area must be actively caring for or waiting for a child or using the children’s library collection.

Youth Computers

Two computers are available for use by youngsters up to fifth grade in the Children’s Room. They provide a safe and secure environment for children to play games, watch educational videos, solve puzzles, and more via Magic Desktop, software exclusively for children.

While using Magic Desktop, children can learn proper desktop computer operation, like using a mouse and engaging with software. They navigate the games and videos on their own, improving their computer skills while being entertained.

Not directly connected to the internet, children can safely “browse” the internet on approved sites like National Geographics. They can improve their math skills with academic activities and quizzes, paint and draw digitally, and play thousands of different interactive and visually appealing games.

Use of Adult Computers by Minors

Minors (under 18 years of age) may use adult computers in the main library with permission of parent or legal guardian.

The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their own children’s use of Library materials and resources. The Library has neither the right nor the responsibility to act in place of a parent or guardian (in loco parentis) and assumes no responsibility for the use of the computer or Internet by minors.

Parents are responsible for establishing and enforcing family computer guidelines for their minor children.

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Member of BCCLS

As a member of BCCLS, the library’s patrons can use their Elmwood Park library card to borrow books and audiovisual materials from any of the 70+ BCCLS member libraries.

Visit the BCCLS Website

Richard A. Mola Public Library

210 Lee St. Elmwood Park, NJ 07407

201-796-8888

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