The following kits check out for four weeks at a time. You can search for them, see their various themes and place holds on them through the catalog. They are housed at the Columbia Public Library but can be picked up at any library or bookmobile stop by placing a hold or asking our staff.
Beginning to Read Kits
These kits are for families helping their children learn to read. Each kit focuses on a different stage of learning to read and includes a variety of books for you and your developing reader to explore, as well as resources to help you support your young readers as they grow.
Beginning to Read: Brand New Readers kits include a selection of books to help young children learn to start reading. These books have short sentences, repeated words and recurring text patterns to help build confidence. Many of these books will highlight sight words or focus on phonics.
Beginning to Read: First Chapter Books kits include a selection of books to help young readers explore their first chapter books and find out what they like to read. These books will challenge your new chapter book reader without overwhelming them.
Play As Learning Kits (Ages Birth-2)
PAL kits help parents and children explore learning in a play-like atmosphere. PAL kits contain books, toys and music or a video for young children ages birth-2 years. PAL was founded by Educare Boone County and the Daniel Boone Regional Library and is continued through DBRL.
Little Red Reading Bags (Ages 3-5)
Little Red Reading Bags are for parents, grandparents, child care providers or anyone who cares for young children. The bags contain books, DVDs, music CDs, and toys on 12 different themes, along with a skill sheet with activities to support children’s early literacy skills.
STEAM Kits
STEAM Kits provide hands-on learning experiences for kids with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The recommended ages are based on the complexity of the kit, and we encourage parents and children to explore our STEAM Kits together.
Getting started with STEAM Kits:
Dash Robot Kit (ages 6+)
Cubelets (ages 4+)
Code-a-pillar Twist (ages 3-6)
Gravity Maze (ages 8+)
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Kits (Ages 3-6)
Missouri Building Block Kits are loaded with all ten of the current Missouri Building Block Award nominees along with ballots, “I voted” stickers and extension activities. The award is presented to the picture book selected by preschool and kindergarten children. These kits get refreshed each year with the new nominees; they are available from early summer through the end of the year. Call (573) 817-7160 for availability.
Learning Props Game Kits (Ages 3-6)
Learning Props Game Kits are for parents, grandparents, child care providers or anyone who cares for young children. Each bag contains a children’s concept book, fabric game mat, die, game pieces and an activity sheet. There are 11 different themes.
Outdoor Exploration Kits
Outdoor Exploration Kits are designed to encourage children to learn about the natural world and go outside and interact with it. Each kit includes a book of activity and adventure ideas, a book on birdwatching, a book on bug identification and a field guide to trees and wildflowers. Also included are a set of binoculars, a magnifying glass and a compass to help with the exploration.
Parent Packs
For expectant or brand-new parents, these Parent Pack kits include books about pregnancy and parenting, a yoga DVD and a set of pamphlets for you to keep. The pamphlets include a list of books for children about new siblings, information on breast-feeding, child safety and getting assistance from social service agencies. Disponible en español también. Parent Packs are made possible by a generous donation from the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.
