Welcome to the CCJPL Children's Page
Here you can browse activities, events, blogs, and more!
What we have!
The Children's Library serves patrons aged 0–12 with a wide range of materials, including picture books, easy readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction. It also offers a Parent/Teacher collection for lesson planning and caregiving support, as well as themed Early Learning Kits that include books, lesson plans, and activities.
Norbert the Bearded Dragon
Norbert came to live at the Children's Library in February of 2020 as a tiny lizard. He is no-longer tiny. Norbert spends his days basking under his heat lamp, side-eyeing onlookers, and lounging. Nobert's favorite food is pink carnations and his favorite color is red. You can watch him live on our 24 hour Norbert Cam.


September 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
August 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
New mysteries from international authors available in translation at Mechanics'
view itemNew mysteries from international authors available in translation at Mechanics'
view itemNew mysteries from international authors available in translation at Mechanics'
view itemNew mysteries from international authors available in translation at Mechanics'
view itemNew mysteries from international authors available in translation at Mechanics'
view itemMysteries in Translation
July 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
June 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
May 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
April 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
March 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
February 2025 Book Recommendations - Children's
Horror
DIY
December 2024 Book Recommendations - Children's
November 2024 Book Recommendations - Children's
October 2024 Book Recommendations - Children's
Why Storytime Matters
A look at what benefits storytime offers to children and their families.
Read Blog PostYour Library, Your Story Youth Book Drive
Help Us Give the Gift of Reading This Fall, At Your Local Public Library!
Read Blog PostTransformative Donation from Sanofi US Revitalizes Branches
August 6, 2025 - Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) recently completed a significant furniture refresh project. This initiative, which included over 2,000 furniture pieces, valued at over $500,000, was made possible through a generous donation from Sanofi US and represents a remarkable example of community partnership, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Read Blog PostTeen Summer Programs: An Updated List
Here’s everything you need to know about CCJPL’s Teen Workshops for July!
Read Blog PostMy Library, My Story.
CCJPL’s new Marketing & PR Assistant, Bec, shares her story on how she found her place among the stacks.
Read Blog PostLevel Up At Your Library!
Our Summer Reading Program for all ages starts today. Earn prizes just for reading!
Read Blog PostJune 2025 Circulation Display
The Circulation Department will be displaying items for Juneteenth!
Read Blog PostGroundbreaking Ceremony Marks Milestone for SCLSNJ's Watchung Branch
The future of the Watchung library took a significant step forward on Friday, April 4, 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building. The event, held in front of the old Watchung Library building, drew approximately 75 enthusiastic community members, library staff, and local officials.
Read Blog PostMarch 2025 Children's Display
The Children's Department will show a collection of displays for March!
Read Blog PostFebruary 2025 Children's Display
The Children's Department will show a collection of displays for February!
Read Blog PostCelebrate Native American Heritage Month with CCJPL
Let CCJPL be a resource to you as you celebrate Indigenous art, lives, and authors!
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ Staff Donate Over 500 Pounds of Food to Local Food Bank
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) staff donated over 500 pounds of school supplies and non-perishable food products to The Food Bank Network of Somerset County located on Easy Street in Bound Brook. "Once again, for the 14th consecutive year, the employees of SCLSNJ have
Read Blog PostAre You Up for a Challenge?
Learn how Teens can participate in our Summer Reading Challenge and earn prizes!
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ Features Local Artists at North Plainfield and Warren Twp. Branches
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is not only a place for finding a great read. SCLSNJ is also a great place for community connecting, intellectual conversation, and art exploration. SCLSNJ's North Plainfield branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield, will
Read Blog PostJune 2024 Children's Display
The Children's Department will be displaying three themes this month - 8-Bit, Colors, and Read Alike for kids who enjoy Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Wings of Fire!
Read Blog PostEarly Learning Kit for Children
Amanda Stogsdill details our new Early Learning Kits for children.
Read Blog PostMay 2024 Children's Display
The Children's Department will be displaying items for Mental Health Awareness Month and Better Sleep Month, as well as a Cottagecore display!
Read Blog PostVisit The George Sr. and Betty Dealaman Children’s Corner on Thursday, May 2, 2024 for Warren Twp. Branch Dedication Ceremony
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey's (SCLSNJ) Warren Township branch will be hosting a dedication ceremony, celebrating their enhanced children's play space - The George Sr. and Betty Dealaman Children’s Corner - on Thursday, May 2, 2024. "It has truly been a delight to witness the
Read Blog PostIntroducing Myself
Rylie Yawson introduces herself as the new Marketing & PR Manager
Read Blog PostClosure Announcement: All SCLSNJ Branches Closed Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024
All Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) branches will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024 in celebration of Easter Sunday. All branches will reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. For additional assistance, call (908) 845-8400. To discover all SCLSNJ has to offer, visit SC
Read Blog PostFebruary 2024 Circulation Display
The Circulation Department will be displaying items for Black History Month!
Read Blog PostBeginning Readers
Amanda Stogsdill details materials and programs offered by the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library that can benefit children learning how to read.
Read Blog PostJanuary 2023 Children's Display
The Children's Department will be displaying survival books for January!
Read Blog PostNovember 2023 Children's Display
The Children's Department will be displaying items you can "Fall" into!
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ’s Montgomery Branch to Close Early November 3, 2023
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) Montgomery branch, located at 100 Community Drive in Skillman, will close early at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023. All other branches will remain open standard operating hours. For additional assistance, call (908) 845-8400. To disc
Read Blog PostOctober 2023 Children's Display
From October 1st to October 21st, the children's library will be displaying items related to ghosts, and for the rest of the month will be displaying Monster Reads!
Read Blog PostAre Spooky Books Ok for Kids?
Amanda Stogsdill wants to help you find out if the horror genre is right for your child!
Read Blog PostMeet Roscoe the Rock Snake at our North Plainfield branch
Next time you visit the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey's (SCLSNJ) North Plainfield branch, make sure to visit Roscoe - their new snake. Don't worry, no need to be scared, Roscoe is not poisonous. In fact, Roscoe is a Rock Snake, created one rock link at a time through a community-ba
Read Blog PostSeptember 2023 Children's Display
The Children's Department will be hosting a display called "Roll For Adventure"!
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ Celebrates the End of Summer Reading with Yankee Great Ron Guidry, More
On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) celebrated the end of Summer Reading in collaboration with the Somerset Patriots; Yankee great Ron Guidry; Vicky - the System's seeing-eye puppy-in-training; and many dedicated readers. https://sclsnj.org/wp-co
Read Blog PostSomerville Branch Welcomes Jen Sulligan
Share your journey to branch manager: After earning a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual arts, I thoroughly expected to exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art. Obviously, that did not happen. However, that experience nurtured my curious creative thinking, and eye for really good design, paving t
Read Blog PostGraphic Novels: Friend or Foe?
Amanda Stogsdill emphasizes the benefits of allowing children to read graphic novels.
Read Blog PostSomerset Libraries Love 4-H - We’ll See You at the Fair August 9-11, 2023
Somerset County hosts one of the largest free 4-H Fairs in the state and this summer the fair will be hosted Wednesday, August 9 through Friday, August 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is excited to once again participate in this annual sum
Read Blog PostAugust 2023 Children's Display
Children's will be displaying items for World Bee Day and International Bat Night!
Read Blog PostWhy Does Representation Matter in Children's Literature?
Amanda Stogsdill reflects on the importance of representation in children's media.
Read Blog PostClosure Announcement: Juneteenth
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montgomery, and Warren Township branches will be open on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. All other branches will remain closed in celebration of Juneteenth For questions, call (908) 458-8400. To dis
Read Blog PostExplore Watercolors Created By Local Artist Jason Mross
Local artist Jason Mross, of Warren Township, will be exhibiting his bright watercolor paintings at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey's (SCLSNJ) Warren Township branch through July 31, 2023.Mross has been interested in creating from a very young age, creating both complex LEGO® struct
Read Blog PostRead 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The Children's Department promotes the Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.
Read Blog PostDisabilities Social Hour at the Bridgewater branch
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey's (SCLSNJ) Bridgewater branch celebrated Earth Day with over 90 participants during their recent disabilities social hour. "I think the customers who come to the Bridgewater branch’s social hours feel the efforts our staff members have put into thi
Read Blog PostCelebrating Deaf History Month
Celebrate Deaf History Month this April at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey's (SCLSNJ) Hillsborough branch. SCLSNJ library staffers Ann Jones and Pam Zamory collaborated on creating an interactive, multi-generational display that was inspired by a symposium on best practices on d
Read Blog PostGrow Your Professional Skills with Google and SCLSNJ
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is excited to be partnering with Grow with Google to offer scholarships to System Card holders (18+) for the Google’s Career Certificate program as part of the Grow with Google Partner Program. The Certificates equip people with job-ready
Read Blog PostEarly Literacy
Amanda Stogsdill emphasizes the importance of early literacy.
Read Blog PostMarch is For Making
New Jersey Makers Day will be hosted state-wide March 24 through March 26. However, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is so excited about the opportunity to “make,” the System has decided to celebrate all March long. “SCLSNJ branches are so excited to bring New Jersey Make
Read Blog PostClosure Announcement: Presidents’ Day
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montgomery, and Warren Township branches will be open on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. All other branches will remain closed in celebration of Presidents’ Day. For questions, call (908) 458-84
Read Blog PostCelebrate Lunar New Year
Share in the excitement of Lunar New Year with the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ). The Montgomery branch has created an informative display featuring world language books, Asian cookbooks, and books written by Asian authors from numerous cultures, including: China, Vietnam,
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ Strategic Plan
The Somerset County Library Commission voted unanimously to adopt the Library's latest strategic plan at their January 2023 meeting. For more in-depth information about the strategic priorities and core services that will guide our work for the next several years, explore the Strategic Plan Rep
Read Blog PostSCLSNJ Branches Closed For Thanksgiving Holidays
All Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 and will be closed all day on Thursday, November 24, 2022 for Thanksgiving. The Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montgomery, and Warren Township branches will be open on Friday, November
Read Blog PostBook Club Favorites
Over the past two years, I’ve led a book club discussion once a month and I thought it might be interesting to share some of my favorite titles that we’ve read. My selections included some nonfiction as well as fiction. All of the titles were published in the past five years, and only a few were bestsellers.
Read Blog Post