Through a collaborative effort of Crab Orchard Museum and the Tazewell County Public Library, a temporary Children’s Library will open for summer of 2024. Located in the changing gallery space of the Crab Orchard Museum, this library is open on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10am to 5pm. This special partnership is in place to bridge the gap of services to the public, especially children, while repairs are being made to the Tazewell Main Library.

This Children’s Library will offer board and pictures books for kids ages birth to 12 years old. Children and parents can play games, build with Legos and blocks, and interact with learning toys. Checking out books is free and fines do not accrue on children’s library cards! Drop by on Thursdays at 3:30pm for the all ages program Legos & Games. There is no entry fee to the Children’s Library. There is an entry fee to tour the Crab Orchard Museum Gallery and Pioneer Park.

This unique collaborative effort came about at the suggestion of Crab Orchard Museum board member and Southern District Board of Supervisors member, Aaron Gillespie. Cynthia Farmer, Director of Crab Orchard Museum, and Lis Hemsworth, the Museum Curator, have facilitated this transition from gallery space to library. Children’s Librarian Lisa Tyson and her staff have worked countless hours to bring the joy of reading back to children in the Tazewell community.