AWARD BOOKS -- The Lake Wales Public Library has developed a collection of the best, most highly reviewed books for children and teens. Sunshine State Young Readers, Newberry Award winners, Caldecott Award winners, Coretta Scott King Award winners, Florida Reading Association winners and other works of fiction and non-fiction are included in the children and young adult collection.

TREASURE CHEST -- Our treasure chest is filled to the brim with toys for our younger readers. This special reading incentive is for children kindergarten age and younger. When children are caught reading a book to an adult in the library OR when an adult helps a child read a beginning book while in the library, the child is invited to pick a surprise from the treasure box.

READING PATCH CLUB -- In the Reading Patch Club students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to read five titles from different genres, from adventure, to mystery, to sports and more. After completing five books in a genre, the students receive a specially designed patch. Students reading 35 titles receive a personalized trophy and a hardcover book of their choice.

BABY BOOKWORM -- This new program is a lap-sit story time for pre-walkers. The program will provide adult-child interaction for babies and their caregivers. This infant lap-sit story time is for pre-walking infants and their parent or caregiver. Each session provides adult-child interaction, simple stories, songs, action rhymes, and more. Come and share lullabies and stories Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.

WIGGLES AND GIGGLES -- Wiggles and Giggles, formerly Babies and Me, was created for walkers through age four and their caregivers. Each session is a fun introduction to books, fingerplays, action songs, and rhymes. Wiggles and Giggles is offered Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME -- Calling all 3 to 6 year-olds! Every Friday at 10:30 a.m. the Youth Services Department presents pre-school storytime. Please join us for stories, songs, activities, crafts and fun! There is no fee to join in the fun and pre-registration is not required. All that is needed is you!

CHESS -- Sharpen your chess skill or just learn the basics. Get your brain in gear with Coach Leland Fenner. Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 11:30 a.m.

EXCELLENCE IN READING -- Excellence in Reading is for students in grades 1-4. Students choose from a list of designated titles, read the selected book and take a test on the content. Prizes are awarded as tests are successfully completed. Students reading 35 titles receive a personalized trophy and a hardcover book of their choice.

TEACHER ASSISTANCE INCLUDING ASSIGNMENT ALERTS -- Educators are encouraged to contact the Youth Services staff for classroom support. We can assist in enhancing study units and developing bibliographies for students. We can also assist with core curriculum needs and reserve topics for your students. Assisgments Alerts allow the Lake Wales Public Library to know in advance when students need materials for class assignments. The Youth Service Staff can select materials that will be useful for the assignments. DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE ASSIGNMENT ALERT FORM

MIDDLE READERS AND TEEN BOOK CLUBS -- Book Clubs, or reading groups, are a bunch of friends who decide to read the same book and then get together to talk about it. Join us in the Schoenoff Meeting Room located on the lower level of the Lake Wales Public Library for book discussion fun. Book and times to be announced.

FRENCH FOR CHILDREN -- Two weekly French classes for children are available at the Lake Wales Public Library. "French for Kids" for elementary age children and "Intermediate French" for middles schoolers. Karine Madaus, Librarian Assistant, teaches the classes. Karine is a native of France. Call Mrs. Madaus, 678-4004, for current times and registration information.