Youth Services
Youth Services are offered at every library location. To reach the staff at our Main/Downtown Library, please call 423-643-7730.
Programming
Ages 0 – 5
Early literacy and learning programs are available at all library locations, six days a week. These include programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Click here to visit our events calendar and see our upcoming programs and events.
Grades K – 12
All library locations offer a wide variety of programs to K-12 students that encourage education, empathy, community and empowerment. These programs often have a STEAM aspect and focus on topics like art, music, theater, cultures, reading, cooking and “adulting”.
Click here to visit our events calendar and see our upcoming programs and events.
We Want to Hear From You!
If you attend our programs, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us determine the future of programming in the Chattanooga Public Library system! Click the button below to tell us about your experience today.
HCDE Cards
Through a partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education, all students currently enrolled in a Hamilton County public school can receive a free, full access library card.
- Full access library cards are issued through their public school library
- Cards are good for a year and automatically renew each year during school registration
- If you are a virtual student or currently do not have a school librarian, please email HCDEcards@chattanooga.gov for instructions on how to get a student card.
Staff Picks
Every summer, we release our yearly picks for all reading levels. Chosen by local expert librarians, these titles are great reads and are highly regarded in the book community, receiving many awards, excellent reviews and popular appeal.
We hope that the yearly lists will help you pick the best book for yourself and your child, grades K-12. All of the books on the Lists are available at your local library, and your local librarian can suggest additional titles.
Click here to check out our 2023 recommended reading lists!
Make. Play. Read. Learn.
Reading and Learning Challenges!
We now offer Reading and Learning Challenges all year long through Beanstack.
Click here to learn more, or click the link below to register on Beanstack now!
The Noise Closet
The Noise Closet is a rock instrument library for ages 10 – 17 with guitars, drum kits, keyboards, and amps you can check out for up to 1 month from the 2nd Floor of the Downtown Library.
Thanks to Chattanooga Girls Rock! and support from The Lyndhurst Foundation and UnFoundation.
Click here to see what’s in the collection and learn how you can check it out!
Teen Advisory Board
The Teen Advisory Board is a unique opportunity for youth between the ages of 12-18. Board members will gain leadership experience by providing input and helping to create new programs.
The 2023-2024 session is now open. Click here to fill out the application!
Field Trips
Want to bring your group to the library or want us to come to you? Fill out the Field Trips, Tours, and Outreach Request form and tell us more about your group or your event.
Click here to fill out our request form!
Reading Down Fines
Youth patrons can earn “credits” to pay down their fines accrued on overdue items.
On designated days and times, youth patrons will sign in at their local branch with the youth library staff and read on their own while in the department. Youth patrons can earn $2 of credit for each 15 minutes of reading while at the library, up to 1 hour or $8. Credits will only apply to overdue fines, not lost book/card fees, collection fees, or any other fees or charges.
Also, teen volunteers can choose to be Reading Buddies for youth patrons during the Reading Down Fines hours/events. The youth patron will read aloud to the teenager, who will be there to help with difficult words and to ask the younger child questions about the story to encourage the development of key literacy skills.
Weekly Schedule
Monday
Northgate and Avondale from 4 pm – 6 pm
Tuesday
Eastgate from 4 pm – 6 pm
Wednesday
Downtown/Main from 4 pm – 6 pm
Thursday
South Chattanooga from 4 pm – 6 pm
Friday
Avondale from 4 pm – 6 pm
Saturday
Downtown/Main from 11 am – 1 pm
Eastgate from 10 am – 12 pm
South Chattanooga from 2 pm – 4 pm
Northgate from 9 am – 11 am
