While the Carmel Clay Public Library technically has two different locations- the Main Library and the Joyce Winner West Branch, most people direct their navigation to the Main Library. The Main Library offers a digital media lab that provides hardware and software for use, 3D printing, recording rooms, 3D modeling, and digital design. Inside, you’ll also find the Friends Bookstore & Book Sales whose sales benefit the Carmel Clay Public Library. The bookstore offers books, audiobooks, movies, games, music, and puzzles. The prices are very reasonable and fun can be found for the whole family. Twice a year, there is a large book sale at the Main Library for the entire community and they also sell on Amazon.
The Carmel Clay Public Library offers a wide array of services, programs, storytimes, classes, and assistance for your young children. During the summer, a summer reading program runs from early June to late July. The summer reading program is inclusive for children as young as 0-5 as well. If you have children ranging from birth to Kindergarten, look into the year-round program “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten”. For young children, their Storywalk experiences at Meadowlark Park, Central Park, and River Road Park are not to be missed! Enjoy reading through a children’s book, page by page in a protected enclosure as you walk through the path.
About Carmel Clay Public Library
For children birth-5th grade, the library presents board books, picture books, Juvenile non-fiction, beginning reader, Juvenile fiction, world languages, graphic novels, graphic nonfiction, themed grab-and-go bags (trucks, butterflies, superheroes, sports, ballet, and more), board games, and adventure kits (toys, games, alphabet games, garden set, fine motor activities, and more). The library often hosts authors for signings and readings. For school-aged children, the library homeschool resources as well as homework help, an exploration lab, a library youth council, art and STEAM programs, and book clubs!
Services
When my children were younger and we lived close to the library, we took advantage of every story time we could! The Carmel, IN library, offers programs for all ages and storytimes for babies through age 6. The library offers art programs for ages 4-grade 5 and STEAM programs for ages 4 and above. If competition runs deep in your family, for ages 3-5 a challenge is set up 4 times per year for you to complete while competing against other families! Game on!
They offer a free tracker app, called Beanstack, for you to help keep track of your child’s progress in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. If you are unable to make it to the library due to severe weather, illness, or your busy schedule the Carmel library has playlists made available on YouTube for your enjoyment! During the summer and winter, the library runs a reading program. Both reading programs are inclusive for children as young as 0-5 years on up to adults. If you have children ranging from birth to Kindergarten, look into the year-round program “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten”.
Don’t sleep on the Storywalks. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter- these books are switched out seasonally and meant to be enjoyed when you’re taking in the outdoors. For young children, their Storywalk experiences at Meadowlark Park, Central Park, and River Road Park are not to be missed! Enjoy reading through a children’s book, page by page in a protected enclosure as you walk through the path.
Specialty
The programs are top-notch and some of the first things I would take advantage of as a parent with a little one. However, there’s nothing that can replace the feeling of walking into the children’s area and noticing the gorgeous teal and brightly colored graphic art on the main desk. Encourage your child to pick out a book and meet you on a brightly colored piece of furniture. As you go with them to choose their selection, enjoy all the incredible murals, full of some of their favorite animals. My favorite thing to do in a library with my kids is grab a book, sit, and read it. Then another. And another.
Carmel Clay Public Library
As someone who used to be a librarian, the Carmel Clay Public Library is a retreat, unlike many others. The bright colors and animals they utilize in their decor are vibrant and engaging. If you’re spending a few hours at the library or if you’ve just exited a program with your young children, don’t miss the cafe for a quick bite and a large mug of coffee.
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