CHILDREN
CHILDREN LIBRARY COLLECTIONS
Special Collections in the Children's Room
RUTH KEELER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Transition of the Children’s Nonfiction Collection to a “Dewey Lite” System
“Dewey Lite” is a modified version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system used in libraries to make nonfiction more browsable for patrons, particularly children. Instead of relying solely on Dewey numbers, it organizes books into broader, more natural subject-based categories first, followed by sub-categories, and finally the author of the book. This system not only aims to improve the user experience by grouping books by topic in a way that is easier to understand than just the Dewey number alone, but it is also intended to give children the confidence to browse the nonfiction collection on their own.
We are in the process of making this transition, so please excuse our children’s nonfiction collection disorder for the time being! If you have any questions about this transition or the “Dewey Lite” system itself, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Parenting Collection
Discover our curated selection of books designed for families and caregivers of children and tweens, addressing various parenting issues. From promoting healthy sleep habits to enhancing physical and emotional well-being, managing sibling dynamics, and more, our Parenting Collection offers valuable insights. Additionally, we feature a range of picture books on these topics suitable for children. Look for these books labeled social-emotional on the book spine.
Learning Collection, Including the SEPTO Donations
Dive into our Learning Collection, generously contributed by the North Salem Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO). This collection encompasses an array of books covering learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s, sensory challenges, education law, and beyond. SEPTO’s dedication to education shines through these resources, providing valuable knowledge and support.
Halloran Collection
In memory of Vincent Halloran, a cherished North Salem resident and NYC firefighter who tragically lost his life during the September 11th terrorist attack, we present the Halloran Collection. These books offer insights into the events of 9/11 and its impact. The Vincent Gerard Halloran Fund has graciously given these volumes to the children of the North Salem community, fostering remembrance and understanding.
A Kid’s Book About… Series
It can be hard to find the right words to start difficult conversations with kids, especially when complex emotions or heavy topics are involved.
- What if you don’t explain it right?
- What if you have a hard time helping them understand?
- What if you’re not even sure you properly understand the topic?
Don’t worry, there’s a book for that.
The “A Kid’s Book About…” series are books that were written specifically to help grown-ups and kids come together to start talking about difficult topics. These books have no pictures, are written by authors with firsthand experience on the topic, and are specifically meant to be read together. Conversations about difficult or sensitive issues don’t have to be so hard. More often than not, kids already know about or have some experience with the topics at hand, long before a discussion is ever brought up. It’s important to remember that children can’t be sheltered from hard things forever, no matter how hard we may try to protect them, and they will need the tools to navigate these complex feelings so they may mature and grow in healthy ways towards adulthood. While many of the topics written about in this series are heavy and may invoke negative feelings, addressing them and acknowledging their existence will help children know that these feelings don’t have to control their lives and it will help foster healthy experiences for a lifetime while tightening bonds between children and their caregivers.
Spanish Language Books
Explore our assortment of books in Spanish tailored for children and tweens. Diverse and engaging, our Spanish Language Collection provides opportunities to immerse young readers in captivating stories and adventures.
