DAMARISCOTTA — Skidompha Public Library – due to funding from The Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle, The Anonimo Foundation, and Zoobean – has three ready-made kits of books and media to share with community youth.

With the closure of in-person programming this year, Skidompha’s children’s librarian began focusing on ways to reach as many children as possible to keep the connection and joy for the library and learning strong.

Skidompha Public Library offers literacy and learning kits for children of all ages. Contributed photo

They now have the following literacy and learning kits available to be checked out from the library:

• Early Literacy Kits for pre-K — grades 2/3
Each early literacy kit includes three to five early reader books, a set of Bob (Learn to Read) books, a workbook to practice writing, pen control and tracing, and an audio CD. There are four literacy kit levels to choose from: the first level begins with basic word and sound recognition, and the final kit level includes early chapter books. Each kit also includes early literacy tips for parents, to encourage continued literacy education as a part of everyday life.

• Music Literacy Kits for pre-K — Grades 2/3
Music is one of the best ways to increase literacy — music helps kids learn words by slowing them down and making them easier to remember. Emily Arrow, a well-loved acoustic musician, has created three albums around popular picture books. Skidompha now has a kit for each album. Each kit includes the CD and all the books associated with that album.

• Amplifying Black Voices Kits for Grades 2 to 4
There are many books that amplify Black voices for middle grade readers (grades 4 to 8) and loads of picture books for younger readers. Skidompha was looking for resources for newly independent and younger middle grade readers, first through third graders. To build these kits, they focused their efforts on books written by Black authors and books that lift up Black voices and characters. These kits include four books in a mix of fiction and nonfiction. There are some biographies, some early chapter books, and some general nonfiction books. The kits also include a list of resources for adults who need support to begin or continue to have conversations with children about race and racism. Additionally, parenting books that address racism and help adults navigate discussions about racism with children are being added to the library collection.

• Stem Kits for all ages
Skidompha has three Nature Explorer Backpack kits from the Maine Audubon Society: birds, wildlife, and plants. Each pack has a custom-made user’s guide that walks people through each item in the backpack, and provides activities, games and book lists. There are tips for families on how to enjoy nature, nature journal templates, simple craft ideas, and ways to use smartphones to connect with wildlife.

• MaKey MaKey Invention Kits
MaKey Makey is an invention kit for people of all ages. Everyday objects can be turned into computer keys and touchpads.

Skidompha is located at 184 Main St. The library is open for in-person visits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Curbside pickup is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visit skidompha.org or call 207-563-5513.