Children's Resources

Storytime Grab 'N Go Collections

Storytime Grab 'N Go Collections are available at the Waynesville & Canton branches! Twenty-four bags cover a range of themes – listed below. Each bag includes 3-4 books relating to the theme, a toy or puppet, a sheet of songs and rhymes, and early literacy tips. Some may also include a fun craft! Bags are perfect for caregivers to enjoy storytime fun with little ones from the comfort of home. Bags check out for three weeks, one bag per family, to Haywood County cardholders. 

Themes include: Bedtime • Colors • Construction • Dinosaurs • Dragons • Dr. Seuss • Eric Carle • Farm • Feelings • Garden • Insects • The Library • Monsters • The Moon • Numbers • Peppa Pig • Pete the Cat • Robots • Seasons • Shapes • Space • Under the Sea • Unicorns • The Zoo

Just for Kids Access Video

Just for Kids Access Video provides children and parents a thoroughly kid-safe, advertisement-free media platform to freely explore and enjoy. Just for Kids has the educational videos children want to watch - Sesame Street, The Electric Company, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears, Franklin, and thousands more - plus songs, games, and other interactives that are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire.

NC Kids Digital Library

The NC Kids Digital Library offers eBooks, audiobooks, streaming videos, and Read-Alongs. This collection was designed for youth agers preK though 4th grade and includes picture books, youth fiction, youth nonfiction, and more. Browse by subject, format, or genre, and the advanced search feature allows filtering by availability, language, date added, and much more. Mobile and tablet users may download the Libby app for iOS and Android. 


1000BBK

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a simple, manageable way to encourage your child's reading before formal schooling begins. Numerous studies estimate as many as one in five children have difficulty learning to read, and reading proficiency is an early indicator of later academic success. Since public education doesn't typically start until ages 5-6, parents and caregivers are most influential in early development. Sign up for this fantastic program and receive information to start your child on their reading journey, including early literacy tips, easy activities to do at home, and reading recommendations! At each 100-book milestone, your child can add a fish to murals at either the Waynesville or Canton branch to show what they've accomplished. Upon completion of the program, your child will receive a free book and other great prizes. 

Visit any library branch to sign up or fill out this form! Contact one of our Youth Services Librarians for more information or to register your child:

Waynesville Branch: Lisa Hartzell, MLIS. Phone: 828-356-2511. Email: lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov.

Canton Branch: Ashlyn Godleski, MLIS. Phone: 828-356-2567. Email: ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov 

Click on the links below to download a digital copy of all registration materials:

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Bright by Text

Bright by Text provides free tips, information, and resources to help all parents and caregivers give every child a bright beginning. 

At Bright by Text our goal is to make the most of everyday interactions between parent and child. Our text messaging service delivers actionable information from trusted early childhood experts to parents and caregivers of young children — from prenatal to age eight — to support healthy child development and build strong, resilient families.

Bright by Text:

  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Developmental tips based on your baby's due date or the age of your child
  • Curated content from partners such as PBS, Vroom, and Sesame Street in Communities
  • Timely information about local resources and events from community organizations
  • Extended learning materials, short modeling videos, and related resources

The Haywood County Public Library offers Bright By Text as part of our partnership with Family Place Libraries. This service is free (data and messaging rates may apply). Text FamilyPlace to 274448 to begin. You may stop at any time.

Nature Center

Western North Carolina Nature Center Passes

The Library offers free passes to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Cardholders may check out a pass at the Waynesville branch Children's Department or at the Canton branch Circulation Desk. Each pass allows entry for up to two adults and four children for a specific date. In order to receive a pass, the cardholder's account must be in good standing with less than $5 in fines. Passes do not have to be returned, but the cardholder must present the pass with identification when visiting the Nature Center. The pass is only good for the date specified. The Library will only be able to distribute two passes for any specific day. 

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville. Visitors may enter daily from 10am-3:30pm and the park closes at 4:30pm. Library Passes are not valid on special event days including Howl-O-Ween, Hey Day, or A Winter’s Tail, or for after-hours or ticketed events. For more information or to reserve a pass, contact Lisa at 828.356.2511 and lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov.