Library Visits and Assignments
Stillwater Public Library encourages, supports, and welcomes teachers and youth leaders! Please read below to learn more about how we can help you and your students. The library tries to accommodate all requests by groups for library visits and activities, but without advanced notice, staff, space, materials or equipment may not be available. Stillwater Public Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment so all individuals can access and participate in the library.
Group Visits to Library
A scheduled group visit to the library may involve a presentation, a tour, or other activity with a staff member. Visits usually last between 30 – 45 minutes, with additional time for children to browse. The nature of the visit, age of the children, and size of the group will determine the timeframe.
The following guidelines apply to group library visits:
- Complete the library visit request form to schedule a visit. A lead-time of three weeks is suggested when a presentation or tour is requested.
- Library visits are scheduled during regular library hours unless otherwise arranged with library staff.
- 30 children or less allow groups to have the best possible experience.
- The group leader is expected to remain with their children at all times and is responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring safety. A child/adult ratio of 10 to 1 is recommended for successful group visits.
- Following any group activity, children are encouraged to explore the library’s resources. Allow adequate time for children to browse and check out materials.
- To ensure maximum enjoyment for all users, please review the information about library cards prior to visits. Students and educators may register for cards online. Learn more!
- The library building is accessible to people with disabilities. If a child requires special assistance, library staff will try to make reasonable accommodations with advance notice.
Librarian Visits to Schools and Youth Groups
Library staff may be available to visit a group for a presentation at their site with advance notice. A lead-time of three weeks is suggested. Complete the library visit request form.
School Assignments
Staff members are better able to assist students with library-based assignments when we receive advanced notice. Share upcoming assignments and projects with us through the assignment alert form.
Customized Materials and Special Services
Due to the large number of patrons that we serve, we do not ordinarily produce book lists for organizations or set aside parts of our collection for groups. Teachers and youth leaders are encouraged to contact library staff to assist them in selecting materials or to find existing bibliographies or other resources.
Borrowing Information
Many library services require a library card. Anyone who lives in Stillwater or Washington County is eligible for a free library card, including children. Cards are accepted at Stillwater Public Library, Bayport Public Library, and all Washington County Library branches. Most other Minnesota library cards are valid once registered with Stillwater Public Library. Non-residents (e.g., residents of Wisconsin) may purchase a library card for an annual fee of $60.
Educator cards and student cards (for those who attend a Washington County school but do not live in Washington County) may also be available.
Get a library card by following either of these steps:
- Visit the library in person and speak with a staff person. Proof of address, such as a driver’s license or a piece of mail, will speed up the registration process.
- Fill out this registration form. A library staff member will contact you within 24 hours to complete the registration process.
(The form redirects you to Washington County. Stillwater collaborates on this registration process.)
Important Notes about Library Cards and Group Visits:
- To ensure a positive experience for children visiting the library, please make sure each child in the group has a library card with them on the day of the visit.
- Before the visit, children are encouraged to stop by the library with a parent or guardian to register for a library card.
- Before the visit, inform parents if children will be applying for a library card or checking out library materials.
- If a child comes to the library visit without a library card or has outstanding charges on a library account, the child may be limited in the materials they can use.
Databases and Research Tools
Stillwater Public Library provides access to a wide variety of licensed information databases and research tools. Access to these resources is free for library cardholders. Resources include online encyclopedias, magazine and newspaper indexes and full-text articles, special reports, primary source materials, images, and much more. These resources may be accessed and searched from computers located within the library building, or accessed remotely by library cardholders through the library website. Many of these resources are designed specifically for students and younger users.