1000 Books before Kindergarten

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages parents and caregivers to read 1000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten. The program has easy-to-use reading logs to keep track of the books you have read with your child and small incentives for every 100 books completed. For more information or to register for this fun program, please visit the Youth Desk.

Book Bundles

Don’t know what to read next, or looking for a new author or series to try? Request a Kids or Teens Book Bundle today! Fill out a form, and one of our Youth Services Librarians will choose a variety of books selected just for you. We’ll put those books together in a bag (along with bookmarks, stickers, and a few other goodies!), and then we’ll contact you to let you know that your bundle is ready to be picked up or delivered. You should receive a response within a week of submitting your form.

Hug a Baby, Hug a Book Bags

Have a new baby at home?  Pick up one of our Hug a Baby, Hug a Book bags at the Checkout Desk the next time you’re in the library.  Each bag contains a board book, a plastic key ring toy, and information about the services we provide for infants and toddlers at the library. Bags are available to all Itasca residents and a library card is not required to receive one.

Itasca Young Authors Collection

If you love to write and illustrate your own stories, then the Itasca Young Authors program is for you! Visit the Youth Desk to find out how you can submit your very own book to the library collection. Applications can also be downloaded here.  

Museum Adventure Passes

Use your library card to receive admission or a special discount at participating Chicago area cultural destinations, including Brookfield Zoo, Cantigny Park, and more. Stop by the library or call to check on pass availability. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis to Itasca Community Library cardholders only. You may borrow one pass per family, per museum/location, per loan period. Check here for a complete list of participating museums.

VolunTeens

The library has an ongoing volunteer program for kids in grades 6-12 called VolunTeens. We offer two five-week sessions each quarter with a mandatory training class at the start of each session. VolunTeens work in the Youth Department helping with such things as preparing craft projects, assisting with programs for younger children, and straightening materials. VolunTeen hours count towards community service required for school and church. Check the Teen Programs page for the next available session.

Youth To-Go

All Youth To-Go materials are first-come, first-served and while supplies last.

Button Making-to-Go
Calling all artists! If you’ve ever wanted to wear your art, now’s your chance. Stop by the library and pick up a blank button template or print one at home. Create as many designs on the template as you’d like, bring it back to the library, and we’ll make buttons for you to keep! Please allow one week for your buttons to be made.

Take & Make Crafts
Stop by the library’s Youth Desk or lobby to pick up a Take & Make craft bag with instructions and supplies. A new craft will be available each Monday.