Children and Youth
The Alice Springs Public Library has a range of resources for children and youth, including:
- Children’s books, DVDs, CDs
- Young adult fiction
- Graphic novels
- Baby board books
- Beginner readers
- Baby change room
- Blocks and colouring
Special Programs
STEAM CLUB: Animation for ages 9+
This term in STEAM club we will be having fun with animation!
Participants will explore different types of animation and design; from analogue flip books to GIFS and applications like Pencil 2D and Procreate.
We will use a mix of computer based and hand drawn mediums to storyboard ideas with the aim of producing a final short animation at the end.
Note: The term will run for 8 weeks commencing the 18th of February.
By booking you are preferably committing to the entire 8 weeks.
When: Tuesdays from 3.15−4.30 pm
FREE I For ages 9+
Programs for Children & Youth
We run regular FREE programs for children aimed at developing literacy, promoting reading and use of the library resources, contributing to community devlopment and the sharing of culture and knowledge.
Check out all our events in our online events calendar here.
- Preschool Storytime
- Baby Rhyme Time
- School Holiday Programs
- Summer Reading Club
- STEAM Club
- LEGO Club
- Chess Club
- Author visits
- Scribe & Sketch Club
- Youth Week events
Regular Programs
LEGO Club
Please note: Lego Club is currently resting and will return Monday 3rd of February 2020.
Mondays from 3.00 — 4.30pm.
The Alice Springs Public Library has its very own LEGO Club and you’re invited to join in! All ages welcome.
LEGO is supplied (although donations are always appreciated). All you need is a willingness to have fun and create! Create something yourself, in a team or try out our Challenge Cards. There is something for everyone at the LEGO Club.
FREE. No bookings required during School Term time.
Chess Club
Every Tuesday
- Kids (with guardian): 6 – 7 pm
- 14+ and adults: 7 – 9 pm
Love a game of chess?
We’re a club for players from every age and level.
Whether you play professionally or just enjoy a casual game, you’re welcome to come along!
Free. No bookings required. Tea & coffee provided.
After hours entry: old Library foyer, Gregory Terrace side entry.
Preschool Storytime
Wednesday mornings from 10.15am-10.45am.
For 2 – 5 year olds. Learning can be as simple as one book. Preschool Storytime is a fun and interactive session using books, rhymes, songs and play to stimulate literacy development.
FREE. Bookings not required. 2 – 5 year olds.
Baby Rhyme Time
Friday mornings from 10.15am-10.45am
For 0 – 2 year olds. Songs, rhymes, stories and play are a wonderful way to develop a love of language. This interactive session is designed to support pre-literacy education in a fun and social way.
FREE. No bookings required. 0 – 2 year olds.
Young People
In our Youth area, we have a range of PCs and Macs for use by 12 – 17 year olds. These provide access to filtered internet, online resources and music software.
Young people can access these computers for FREE from 3pm on school days and all day on weekends and school holidays.
Special access during school hours will only be granted if a parent or guardian is present.
Geek In Residence
Part of the Library’s role in the community is collaborating with community services to provide opportunities for youth engagement using healthy and positive diversionary activities, which in turn can deter young people from engaging in risky or problematic behaviours.
The program aims to provide positive youth development activities to:
- Increase print, social and digital literacies
- Build resilience and confidence
- Provide a safe space for young people to meet and share stories
- Form a constructive relationship between disadvantaged Aboriginal young people and the library
With the support of local contributors; Centrecorp Foundation, Territory Families & CAYLUS, the library provides experienced Youth and Arts Workers as ‘Geeks in Residence’ in the Youth Space during the following times:
- School Term: 3pm-6pm weekdays and 10am-1pm Saturdays
- School Holidays: 10am-6pm weekdays and 10am-1pm Saturdays and Sundays
For more information about the Geek in Residence Program, please contact the Library’s Youth Engagement Officer.
Community Events and Organisations
In addition to our regular programs, we also conduct FREE outreach sessions and welcome group visits to the library!
- Local schools — contact us if you would like to book a special library tour
- Territory Parents Support Group at the Flynn Drive Community Health Centre
- Yipirinya School Storytime
- YMCA Early Learning Centre
We also take part in community events such as:
- Children’s Week Celebrations
- Big Day Out in Harmony, NAIDOC Week and Reconcilation Week
- Pets On Parade and School Fetes with Booka the dog, the Library’s mascot
Contact us if you would like the library to host a stall at your event!