Teachers, homeschooling parents, child care providers, and group organizers – KPL has a range of services and collections available to help you and your students. You and your group may visit any KPL location, or a KPL staff member can visit you.

Visiting the Library

Library visits include stories and a tour, with general information about library services. We can include activities, research assistance, or book talks, depending on the needs of your group.

Have the Library Visit You!

We are also able to visit you and your group, to give a presentation about the library and all it has to offer. For more information, and to arrange a time to visit, please contact:

Barb Janicek
Children's Librarian
519.743.0271 x285
barb.janicek@kpl.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a visit cost anything?

• No. Library visits and tours are FREE!

I have a large group. How can we get there?

• Schools can use the GRT Class Pass once per year, to take a city bus route for free. Please note that only one class can ride a bus at a time. If you are bringing several classes, you may want to consider renting a school bus.

• If parents and volunteers are driving individual cars, parking is free at all branches. At Central, surface and street parking are free after 6 pm. There is underground parking, for a fee. Surface parking during the day also costs a fee. Please bring change or credit card, if necessary.

• Schools and organizations in walking distance can exercise this free option!

Which location should I visit?

• The library has assigned each school a "home" location. Please check the School Responsibility List to find which library is responsible for meeting your school’s needs.

• You may choose to visit a library that you feel is closer to you, or to come to Central if you prefer a longer field trip with a bus ride.

Can we get library cards?

• Yes. For teachers, please print the registration form. Make copies for your students and send them home. Include your name and school name at the top, so we know which tour the cards are for. When you have collected the completed forms from parents, drop them off at your local library. PLEASE RETURN FORMS ONE WEEK BEFORE THE VISIT.

• Students who have had cards in the past and have outstanding fines may not get new cards. Students who have lost their cards but have no books checked out and owe no fines, will get a replacement card for free. Students who already have library cards should bring them on the day of the visit, if they wish to take books home.

What can I expect?

• A basic tour includes a 20-30 minute storytime, including information about borrowing, library cards, and services. The tour length is usually 20-30 minutes in branches, and at least 30 minutes at Central. So, you can plan on an hour, to an hour and a half.

• After the talk and the tour, you may stay and browse for books, whether the children check them out or not. We can also do activities like scavenger hunts.

• To have a visit longer than 1-1.5 hours, you can discuss your options in advance, with the library staff providing the tour.

We have a specific topic. Can you accommodate unique needs?

• Of course! We can tailor a storytime to a specific theme, or offer research tips for curriculum topics. Let us know your group’s needs or interest and we will work to cover it.

Do you speak to adult groups?

• We are happy to speak to parent groups, home child care providers, and anyone who wants to learn more about early literacy, or what services we provide for children. It doesn’t matter if your group includes children or not.

• If you have an adult group which does not focus on children, and would like a tour of the library that focuses on areas relevant to adults, please contact InfoLink at 519-743-7502.

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