The library is a fun, free, and educational place to visit. Your library welcomes school classes, daycares, clubs, and other groups to schedule a time for a staff member to present a tour of your library’s resources and services. Tours and presentations may also include a special program designed for your group, such as a story time or book talk, library instructions, or special assistance with using the library in a desired area of study.
How to Schedule a Group Visit
Instructors and/or group leaders can request a group visit in the following ways:
- Fill out the Group/Class Visit request form below.
- Fill out a printable version of this form and drop it off at the library.
- Stop by the library to pick up a request form, fill it out, and return it to the library.
Your request must be submitted two weeks prior to your desired visit date. If your group members need library cards, and you want them to be able to use them at the time of the visit, please submit library card applications two weeks prior to your desired visit date, as well. For groups larger than 30, please allow for an additional 1-2 weeks.
Library Cards
If you would like every member of your group to be able to check out materials and/or use online resources, we need library card applications at least two weeks prior to your group’s visit. Please review the library card applications for possible omissions or errors prior to returning the forms to the library. A printable form (en Español) is available, or you can visit the library to pick up copies.
Length of Visits
Your group visit may last from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the age(s) of your group and any additional requests. Instructions on locating and using library resources/services can take 30 to 40 minutes, a story time or book talk may take 10 to 30 minutes. Library staff will work with you to determine the length of your visit based on your needs when you schedule your visit.
Size Limits
We recommend that preschool groups be limited to no more than 20 children. The optimal size for older children and adults is 30 people. At least one adult for every 10 children must accompany groups of children. Larger groups should consider breaking into smaller groups for an optimal experience. Teachers and sponsors are expected to remain with children at all times.
Regular Visits
Requests for reoccurring tours and presentations are considered, depending on staff and scheduling availability. School classes are invited to sign up for a library tour and orientation once per semester and may schedule further group visits during the same semester to continue research.
Preparing for Your Group Visit
Before visiting the library, it is a good idea to let your group know the purpose of the visit. The visit is more successful and enjoyable if your group members know what to expect.
- Discuss appropriate behavior in the library. This includes respecting other children and adults using the library, participating in story time, and care of library materials. Please plan for 5 minutes of clean-up time after your tour.
- If your group plans to check out materials, each group member will need a valid library card. Children under 18 years of age must have a completed Application for Library Card with the signature of a parent/guardian. Parents should call the library or logon to the library’s catalog prior to the group visit to make sure their children have a current library card with no outstanding fines or fees. Individuals are responsible for all materials checked out on their card. Group leaders or teachers who check out materials for children on their personal cards are responsible for those items.
- Computer Use by Visiting Groups: The library has public access computers with Internet access, software and games. Computers in the public areas are not reserved for groups. Review our Internet and Computer Lab Policy for additional information about using the computers and Internet.
We hope to see you and your group soon!
