Venue - Windsor Public Library, Central Branch
Since 1894, the Windsor Public Library has been a meeting place for people, ideas, learning and culture. Each year, more than 1.5 million people visit the Windsor Public Library’s 10 branches to borrow, books, CDs, cassettes, videos, talking books and electronic books as well as reference materials. Children, adults, seniors and the business community benefit from the wide range of information available at the Windsor Public Library.
The BookFestWindsor author programs are a sample of Windsor Public Library's activities for early-years and school-aged children, all of them anchored by The Kaysandra and Christopher Curtis Children's Learning Centre at the Central Library and similar centres at Riverside, Budimir and Fontainebleau libraries.
The philosophy at these destination resource areas is to promote healthy growth through a holistic approach to reading and learning by combining: a wise selection of children's reading materials; a sensitive and effective positioning of these reading materials; a play-based learning approach that provides the very young with hands-on development toys in order to promote the child's behavioral and emotional development; and finally, a user-friendly environment in which parents are encouraged to participate in their children's reading development.
Quite simply, it is crucial that all children be exposed to reading and sensory stimulation at the earliest age possible and staff at WPL children's learning centres encourage children to explore and find what interests them on their own. Visit www.windsorpubliclibrary.com for additional information and a complete list of programs. Thank you, BookFest authors, for sharing your passion for stories.
Windsor Public Library Services
- The Kaysandra and Christopher Curtis Children's Learning Centre
- This award winning and unique children's centre opened in November 2002. Named for the internationally known children's author, Christopher Paul Curtis, who wrote his first book at Central Library, the centre is home to a Story Time and Developmental Play Area as well as an Audio Listening Centre, Computer Centre and a Visual Learning Centre. Read more about Christopher Paul Curtis and his connections to the Windsor Public Library.
- Children and Family Services
- WPL has a comprehensive program of activities for early years and school aged children. Staff are available to help young readers search for information, use the Internet appropriately and access online collections of encyclopedias, periodicals and literary databases.
- Collections
- WPL Library houses an extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction, video and audio tapes, DVDs, magazines and more for your reading, listening and viewing enjoyment. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) resources contain books, magazines, video and audio resources in 25 languages.
- Literacy Services
- Reading, writing and numeracy programs are offered either in a one-on-one or group setting. Literacy programs, assessments and referrals are also available.
- Public Access Computers
- Computers are available for use at all libraries. Customers can search catalogues, access e-mail, surf the Internet or conduct a job search and receive resume writing advice. At Central Library, the Casino Windsor Cares Computer Training Centre has qualified assistants on duty for individual help. Group sessions are available upon request.
- Reference Services
- Browse daily newspapers, magazines, directories, encyclopedias, reference books, genealogical resources and government documents in our collections and online databases. Staff is always ready to provide assistance and guidance with search techniques and special research requests. Our online Ask A Librarian service provides a free quick reference service.
- Special Population Services
- WPL has large print and talking books available for the visually impaired as well as an adaptive computer station. Other services include a shut-in service, Braille books and translation to Braille.
- Online Catalogues
- Search our collection of print, audio, multimedia and electronic resources wherever you have access to the Internet or use our Public Access Computers which are available at all library locations.
- Digital Exhibits
- Innovative, educational and informative, WPL Digital Exhibits provide interactive insight into the pioneers who first settled Windsor and Essex County, our uniqueness as an automotive centre, our ecology and the people who led the community through 300 years of change.