Parent and Guardian Resources
A library is a gateway that contains countless ways for young people to discover the joy of reading. The amount of materials and resources can be intimidating. As a supplement to library staff expertise, this guide will help caregivers navigate everything the Christian County Library has to offer.
All-Access Library Card
If you live, own property, or attend school in Christian County, you’re eligible for the All-Access Library card. Bring a valid ID and proof of residency to any branch location to access everything the library offers including books, movies, digital items and things!
Digital Access Library Card
The Digital Access Library Card provides limitless use of online research databases and 24/7 streaming and downloading of digital content. To be eligible, your primary residence needs to be in Christian County, and not currently have an All-Access Library Card.
Guardians' Responsibilities
Minors under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian assume responsibility for all browsing, selection and care of library materials including fines, fees, and charges for damage or loss of borrowed items.
Monitoring Account Activity
Parents or guardians are able to monitor a minor’s library usage by logging into their library account at COOLcat.org to view a list of currently borrowed materials, holds and fines. For a complete record of borrowed materials, turn on the minor’s reading history.
Searching The Catalog
There are many ways to search within the catalog such as by keyword, title, author, or subject. Using the “Advanced search” feature narrows the results by either material type, branch location or language.
Placing Holds
Items can be delivered to your preferred branch, even if they are currently checked out, through the hold process. To place items on hold, click the “Place a Hold” button at the top of the page. After joining the queue, you’ll be notified once the items are available.
Digital Collection
Instantly borrow digital movies, music, eBooks, and audiobooks with your library card.
MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan
There might be times when you’re looking for something special and it is not in the local collection. These items can be requested from MOBIUS or Interlibrary Loan, which are resource-sharing networks with other libraries in Missouri and surrounding areas. Materials are delivered free of charge to library cardholders.
Collections Policy
Items are added to represent different points of view in order to serve the informational, cultural, educational and recreational needs of the community. The placement of materials is generally determined by the publisher’s grade and reading recommendations. All patrons are welcome to browse and check out any materials in the collection.
Contribute to the Collection
The collection is constantly changing, and you can help shape it. Couldn’t find a title? Try submitting a purchase suggestion. Believe an existing item should be relocated or reevaluated? Complete the request for consideration form.
What's Happening
Find out what’s happening at the library by downloading the Events Newsletter or visiting the Online Calendar to narrow event searches by age group, branch or date.
Reading Challenges
Monthly reading challenges incentivize the exploration of new ideas and cultivate a love of reading. Track your family’s reading while earning prizes with seasonal reading challenges available through the Beanstack.
Virtual Maps
Click below to browse the virtual map of each community branch.
Unattended Child Policy
Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children while they visit the library. Children under nine years of age (or of any age who require supervision) must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a caregiver.
Racing To Read
This program develops core skills for children such as singing and rhyming, telling stories, playing with letters, exploring words and having fun reading. Click below for more information.
Reading Challenges
Monthly reading challenges incentivize the exploration of new ideas and cultivate a love of reading. Track your family’s reading while earning prizes with library-created seasonal reading challenges available through the Beanstack.
Missouri Book Awards
Find your family’s next read with help from these Missouri’s Book Award nominees and winners.
Databases
These databases and more are available 24/7 at every branch location, or by using your library card at home or from wherever you are. For a full list of databases click here.
Study Rooms
Need a place to study or space for a group project? All branch locations have rooms, free of charge, for public use during the library’s hours of operation. Study rooms can be reserved up to one (1) week from the current date and no more than three (3) times per week. Reservations can be completed by phone, in person or online.
MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan
There might be times when you’re looking for something special and it is not in the local collection. These items can be requested from MOBIUS or Interlibrary Loan, which are resource-sharing networks with other libraries in Missouri and surrounding areas. Materials are delivered free of charge to library cardholders.
Study Rooms
Need a place to study or space for a group project? All branch locations have rooms, free of charge, for public use during the library’s hours of operation. Study rooms can be reserved up to one (1) week from the current date and no more than three (3) times per week. Reservations can be completed by phone, in person or online.
Library Events
Events hosted by the library can often contribute to homeschool credit hours. Find out what’s happening at the library by downloading the Events Newsletter or visiting the online Calendar of Events and searching by age ground, branch and date.
Digital Collection
Instantly borrow digital movies, music, eBooks, and audiobooks with your library card.
Databases
These databases and more can use are available 24/7 at every branch location, or by using your library card at home or from wherever you are. For a full list of databases click here.
Searching the Catalog
There are many ways to search within the catalog such as by keyword, title, author, or subject. Using the “Advanced search” feature narrows the results by either material type, branch location or even language.
Subject Headings
Within each item’s record is detailed information called subject headings. These are used to find similar and relevant materials in the catalog including topic and genre. These focus on one or more aspects of a subject. To access, click on any blue underlined text in the library record.
NoveList K-8
This comprehensive library resource identifies unique story elements such as appeal, genre, theme, series information, reviews and more. NoveList’s filters can tailor searches by reading level to find your child’s next favorite book.
Locations of Materials
Placement of materials is generally determined by the publisher’s grade and reading recommendations. All patrons are welcome to browse and check out any materials in the collection.
Adding Permissions to Library Cards
Minors are required to have a guardian assume responsibility for the selection and care of library materials including charges for damage or loss of borrowed items. Limits can be placed on a minor’s account to ensure that a guardian must be present to check out books and other materials by visiting any library service desk.
Digital Materials
Digital books, music, movies and TV are available via mobile apps. These have "Parental Locks" and "Kids Mode" which creates a safe environment to find and access content for children. For more information, click below.
