About the Library  |  Find a Book  |  Activity Ideas | Tree House

Imagine, as a child, you could enter a space where the mysteries of reading merged with the wonders of nature: a room that is on the verge of being a forest. This inviting space would be filled with books and a quiet reading space high up in the branches of a tree.  Sound almost too good to be true? Thanks to the vision and dedication of numerous volunteers, this is Riveredge’s new indoor library.

Please bring your children, grandchildren and friends to our library any time during Riveredge building hours. Come explore the book collection and sit in a comfortable chair as the children find their place in the “forest.” Members may check out books to take home and read over and over again. We welcome your donations of new or gently used nature and science books.

The Children’s Nature Library offers a wide selection of nature-themed fiction and non-fiction books appropriate for youth age infant to young adult.  Our library will help your child(ren) to discover and explore their individual interests through reading.

There are many ways to make use of this wonderful resource:

·        Explore individual interests through literature

·        Fulfill school reading requirements

·        Complete research for science projects

·        Gather with family for read-alouds

·        Check out books to take home (Riveredge members only)

Bond with your child over a good book in our cozy Nature Library!

Library Catalog

A listing of books is located in the library catalog binder on top of the book return bin in the library.  You can search for books in the binder by subject, title, author, or call number.  Please visit the front desk in the visitor’s center for help.  A desk volunteer or staff member can search for the book you are looking for in a computerized database.

Book Check-Out Procedures (Riveredge Members Only)

Check-out cards are located in the black file box (on top of the book return bin) in the library.  Directions for how to fill out cards are located on the inside of the box top.  Please include the name of the book, your name and contact info, and the date you check the book out.  Return the card to the box, and take your books home to enjoy!

Book Return / Re-Shelving

Please place books removed from shelves in the return bin located in the Northeast corner of the library.  Our volunteers re-shelve the books periodically.

When returning books, please remember to mark the return date on your check-out card.

• Read-a-thon!  Snuggle up in one of our cozy chairs or curl up in the tree-top loft with a stack of good books.
• Play a nature-themed board or card game.  Our selection of nature games are sure to delight players of all ages. 
• Games can be found on the shelves in the library.
• Puppet Play!  We have a variety of lifelike and cuddly animal puppets that encourage free play and creativity. 
• Set up a puppet show with your child(ren) and act out the daily lives of forest and field animals.
• Read to me.  Share a good story with your child(ren) by taking turns reading out loud to each other. 
• Shy readers might want to choose an animal puppet friend to read out loud to in the loft.
• Watch bird activity at the feeders outside the windows.  How many different types of birds can you count? 
• How many different colors?  Which birds prefer to sit at the feeders, and which ones prefer to hop on the ground? 

Explore the Treehouse 

As an extension of the indoor library program, the magical Treehouse outside in the Natural Playground will feature readings with the appropriate season and opportunities for children to express their findings in an ongoing library program.  Click here for more information about programs happening in the treehouse.

Children’s Library Fundraisers

• Build a Birdhouse

For only $10 you can be a part of the exciting project of building a children’s library at Riveredge.  Pick up a birdhouse kit at Riveredge and decorate it anyway you want.  We will place the birdhouse in the new library as a way of demonstrating your support for Riveredge.