Youth Services
Nominate a Deserving Educator for the 2025 Above & Beyond Award!
- Know a deserving educator who has made a positive impact in your or your child's life this school year? Teachers, Paras, O&M Specialists, Braillists, and more are eligible! Help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month by submitting your educator's information by Friday April 25th. One awesome educator will receive a gift of thanks and recognition from WTBBL!
Fill out this form to nominate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AboveBeyondWTBBL
Color Our World! Registration is now Open for Summer Reading 2025!
This year's theme is all about art and creativity, so be ready for 8 weeks worth of artsy activity packets mailed directly to your door, dazzling Reading Challenges and prizes, and exciting in-person events around the state. The program runs from June 30 - August 30 and Registration closes June 13!
Sign Up at this Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WtbblSRP2025
Here's a Sneak Peek at Upcoming SRP Events:
- Braille-Enhanced StoryWalks in Seattle - July & August
- Disability Pride at Woodland Park Zoo - July 27
- Tropical Birds Show & Tell at WTBBL - August 9
- TADA! Inclusive Art & Design Workshops - Dates and Locations TBD
New Library Policy - Parental Acknowledgment for Minors
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Due to a recent policy change at The National Library Service, we are updating our records for all patrons under the age of 18 and we are asking that Legal Guardians complete a brief Parental Acknowledgment form.
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All currently registered patrons age 0-17 will receive an email and/or print copy of the new Parental Acknowledgment Form from The National Library Service. WTBBL will be making phone calls as well to reach out and answer any questions that folks may have.
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The Parental Acknowledgment Form MUST be completed, signed by a legal guardian, and returned to WTBBL. All youth patrons who do not have this form on file will be automatically suspended from WTBBL services, including BARD, later this year and will remain suspended until the completed form is returned.
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Find a fillable PDF of the form here: Parental Acknowledgment Form
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Electronic signatures will be accepted. Please email signed form to [email protected] or [email protected]
STEM2U: Explore, Experiment, Excel!
- Join the NFB of Washington for a transformative day of discovery designed for blind youth, May 3, 2025, at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library from 9:30am-3:30pm.
- Dive into the exciting world of the scientific method! Participate in hands-on, accessible experiments where you’ll use observation, prediction, and testing to tackle real-world problems. Exciting experiments exploring physics, technology, chemistry, and engineering await!
- FREE to all registered blind and low-vision students (K-12) and their families. Lunch will be provided.
- This opportunity offers blind role models, Accessible experiments, and hands-on nonvisual skills instruction.
- Register here: NFB STEM2U Application | National Federation of the Blind
Multisensory Storytime - Fridays from 11-12!
- In-person Storytime is back! Join us for 30 minutes of stories, songs, and dance followed by 30 minutes of playtime in the WTBBL Conference Room.
- VIRTUAL Multisensory Storytime also available! Watch on WTBBL's YouTube Channel. Caregivers of patrons age 0-5 can request a Storytime Kit to be mailed directly to their house if interested!
- There will be no Storytime on the following dates: April 11, May 23, June 6, June 20
- Want text updates about Storytime cancellations and special events? Text @dkee9 to 81010 to get on the list!
Youth Services Newsletter
Upcoming Events Around Washington:
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April 26: Washington State Regional Cane Quest @ WA State School for the Blind
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May 3: NFB STEM2U @ WTBBL
Outside the Library Programming
Let WTBBL come to you! The Youth Services Librarian is available to visit schools and education centers to present about the WTBBL service or related educational topics to both individual patrons and groups of students, parents, and school staff. Other educational topics include multisensory storytimes, presentations for accessible research resources for students, booktalks and book suggestions in alternative formats for classroom assignments, etc. Contact the Youth Services Librarian for more information.
Back Open!
The Orrico Children’s Room
Open for children of all ages, our Orrico Children’s Room offers a space for children to explore, play, and of course, read! The Orrico Children’s Room is a welcoming space for your child featuring a variety of musical instruments, tactile toys, and both Braille and large-print books, this space supports children’s needs for learning and physical development!
Tour WTBBL
Visit our unique location in downtown Seattle and learn how we provide library service to the entire state! Additional programming is available. Tours are available for individuals and school groups with advance request. For more information or to request a tour, visit Outreach and Tours.
In Search of a Good Book?
Check out our monthly Recommended Reading!
Make a Donation to support WTBBL
WTBBL's Youth Services Librarian is directly funded by donations from our generous donors. The support given to the library throughout the year makes all youth programming possible.