Children's Services

At the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, we absolutely love kids and are passionate about helping them learn, grow, and shine because they’re our future! We offer a wide variety of services and exciting weekly children’s programs designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading. From story times to special events, there’s always something fun happening here!
Check out the list below for our regular programs and yearly events.
For all things Mother Goose, just click her program icon to the left of the page.
Got questions? Our friendly Youth Services Coordinator is ready to help at 662-329-5150.
Come join the fun and watch your little ones blossom with us!

Books & Basketball

Books & Basketball Book Club - Special Fall Programming
Team Read with the MUW Men’s Basketball Team! This free 8-week program is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 14, pairing each participant with a player from the MUW Men’s Basketball Team. Together, they will read a book, share meaningful discussions, and build connections that go beyond the pages. The program is designed to strengthen literacy, encourage mentorship, and inspire teamwork both on and off the court. Registration is not required, but it helps us plan. Sign up today by clicking the register button!

Mondays

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library is excited to offer Toddler & Baby Learn & Play, a special weekly gathering where little ones (birth to 4 years) and their grown-ups come together for music, stories, playtime, and making new friends. It’s like a big playdate! Happening every Monday at 10:00am, this program is all about celebrating how parents and caregivers are a child’s very first and most important teachers. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun - siblings, friends, and all ages! Plus, check out our Family Place Libraries collection packed with great books on parenting and early childhood, perfect for learning and growing together. Come play, learn, and connect with us! Dates may change, check our online calendar for updates or call 662-329-5300 for the latest info.

Mother Goose

Thursdays

If you’re new to Columbus and Lowndes County, you’ll soon discover why Mother Goose is truly a beloved gem of our community! Her story times at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library are a cherished tradition. Join us every Thursday for two special sessions: from 10:00am to 11:00am and again from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Each story time is a unique adventure filled with fun lessons on counting, manners, and building self-confidence. Recommended for kids ages 3 to 6, these story times are a wonderful way to spark a lifelong love of learning.

Special Programs & Events

We love hosting special programs and events throughout the year for our youngest patrons and their families!

Here are just a few of our favorites:

March: Read Across America Party
April: Autism Resource Center (ARC) Family Fair
June–July: Weekly Summer Library Programs & Reading Challenge
October: Annual Haunted Library
December: Annual Snow Day

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, be sure to check our online calendar or visit our Facebook page for the latest updates on all upcoming programming and events.

Children's Services Resources

Children's Resources

Along with the expansive children's book collection CLPLS offers, the library provides access to other resources that promote sensory learning, financial literacy, and more.

Autism Resource Center
The Autism Resource Center of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System provides information, support, and programming for families that have a child diagnosed with or showing signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and for other families with special needs. The center includes a full collection of books available to patrons, materials to promote sensory development, emotional skill management, life skills growth, and more.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge (1BBK)
The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library has partnered with 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers. The program is held to encourage parent-child bonding through reading. The program works on the honor system and is also provided digitally via the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Registration forms and reading progress submission forms can be accessed below with Google Forms.

LOG PROGRESS