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Use this guide to help you locate information in a number of different formats!

Finding Physical Books

Browse Physical Books in the Curriculum Center

Located off the main lobby of the library, the curriculum center houses the library's collections of children's books, young adult books, and graphic novels. These collections fall into five categories with slight variations in how they are organized on the shelves. Each category is explained below. If you are having trouble finding a book on the shelves, feel free to ask a staff member to help! 

Easy Fiction

Primarily picture books, a few beginner chapter books. Fictional stories. Call numbers have EF at the beginning as a location code, then continue with the first letter of the author's name and a series of numbers, before ending with the first letter of the title in lowercase. For example, the book "I'm the Best" by Lucy Cousins has the call number EF C836i. 

Easy Nonfiction

Primarily picture books, some early reader and beginner chapter books. General nonfiction books, poetry books, folktales, and books of songs are all shelved in this category. Call numbers have E at the beginning, then follow the Dewey Decimal System for subjects and authors. There are signs on some of the curriculum center bookshelves with an explanation of how to read these call numbers.

Juvenile Fiction

Mainly middle grade and young adult books, a few beginner chapter books. Fictional stories. Call numbers have JF at the beginning as a location code, then continue with the first letter of the author's name and a series of numbers, before ending with the first letter of the title in lowercase. For example, the book "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman has the call number JF G127c.

Juvenile Nonfiction

Mainly middle grade and young adult books, a few beginner chapter books. General nonfiction books, poetry books, folktales, and plays are all shelved in this category. Call numbers have J at the beginning, then follow the Dewey Decimal System for subjects and authors. There are signs on some of the curriculum center bookshelves with an explanation of how to read these call numbers.

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels for all ages. Both fiction and nonfiction books. Call numbers have GN at the beginning as a location code, then continue with the first letter of the author's name and a series of numbers, before ending with the first letter of the title in lowercase. For example, the book "Flamer" by Mike Curato has the call number GN C922f.

Search the Library Catalog for Physical Books

To see if the library has a specific book available, use the advanced search function of the catalog. Set the search to Library Catalog and enter your search terms. Once you've searched for the book you want, you can limit your results to physical items only. For more help with advanced searching, head to our searching tips help guide.

 

Ebooks and Digital Resources

Search the Library Catalog for Digital Books

To see if the library has digital access to a specific book, use the advanced search function of the catalog. Enter your search terms and limit the search to books. Once you've searched for the book you want, you can limit your results to items available online only. For more help with advanced searching, head to our searching tips help guide.

Some of the books available in Overdrive may not show up in the library search, so it never hurts to search for books directly through the database.

Free Online Books

There are a variety of online resources to access children's books online. Make sure that any sources you find through searching the web are being legally shared.