"At what age can children join the library?"
At any age! The younger the better. The new Central Library Cambridge will have a wide selection of board books for babies along with stories and rhymes on compact disc.
"Will there be regular events for children?"
Yes, there will be regular baby rhymetimes and story times for 3 - 5 year olds, Children's Reading Groups, author visits and the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Lots of other special events will happen throughout the year.
"Will the children have to be quiet in the library?"
No, the idea that children must be quiet in the library belongs in Ancient History. We want children to enjoy visiting the library and getting excited about books, talking about them, sharing them with brothers, sisters, parents, carers. Reading aloud and singing rhymes together is something we actively encourage.
"My child isn't a great reader. Can you help?"
Yes, the new Central Library Cambridge will have the largest selection of children's books for loan in the county. Our highly trained staff can help even the most reluctant reader to find something that interests them. Constantly changing themed displays will be a feature of the new library.
"Will I find classic stories in the new library?"
Yes, the stock has been carefully selected to provide a mix of the very best in new children's fiction and classics from the past.
Can my child get help with homework?"
Yes, staff will be available after-school and at weekends to help and advise
"Can my child comment on the services provided."
Yes, we welcome feedback from our young readers and are always striving to improve. We are also happy to receive suggestions for additions to stock.
"My child is visually impaired. Do you have any suitable books or other materials."
Yes, Central Library Cambridge will have the largest selection of storybooks in Large Print [18 point] and Giant Print [24 point] format in the county. There will also be an extensive collection of stories on compact disc.
"Do you have children's books in other languages?"
Yes, Central Library Cambridge will contain the county's largest collection of children's books in other languages, including French, German, Polish, Turkish, Bengali, Vietnamese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese.
"What books are available for teenagers?"
There will be two teenage collections: "Our Space" for young people aged 12 - 14 years and "Young Adult Plus" for 14 year olds and above. Both collections will include the very best in teenage and young adult fiction and include graphic novels and Manga titles.