Ghost Hunting Kits

Check out one of two Ghost Hunting Kits from the Plain City Public Library, filled with equipment for your next paranormal investigation.

PCPL’s Ghost Hunting Kits include:

POC 4K Ultra HD Camera w/tripod and accessories

KII EMF Meter

Ghost Stop flashlight

Laser Grid Light

Walkie Talkie set

EVP Wrist Recorder

SBox Scanner (Kit 1)

Flux 2 Response Device (Kit 2)

Ghost Hunting Kit reservations will be made available on a first come, first served basis to current adult Plain City Public Library full-access cardholders in good standing (no lost or overdue library material). Kits may be borrowed for a loan period of 3 days. Borrowers must read and sign the Rental Agreement and Release & Waiver of Liability form before checkout.

Botley the Coding Robot – Available for Checkout

Botley the coding robot, intended for ages 5 and up and 2019 toy of the year, provides children with introductory STEM and coding learning opportunities. With his remote programmer, obstacle detection, and black line following capabilities, program Botley to traverse obstacle courses and help him along on grand adventures or use his detachable arms to deliver objects to friends and family. Botley’s interface is completely screen free, encouraging your child to learn and play off screen.

We have two different sets available: Our first, smaller, set includes the Botley robot, removable arms, a remote programmer, and 40 coding cards to help children visualize the direction they program for Botley. Place a hold on this set.

Our second set includes everything from the first as well as obstacle course accessories including cones, bricks, and flags. This set also includes puzzle-piece boards to use with Botley’s black line following feature. Place a hold on this set.

Botley the Coding Robot, credit: Learning Resources

Botley robots are available to check out for two weeks at a time. No more than one robot at a time per family, please! Batteries are not included (requires 5 AAA batteries).

Additional Botley Resources:

McCabe Memorial Reading Garden to Receive Updates

Please excuse our dust while we put a fresh face on the McCabe Memorial Reading Garden located at the main entrance to the Plain City Public Library at 305 W Main St., Plain City.

To be installed this fall, the new landscaping plan allows for the removal of several trees that have become too crowded and have begun to damage the building, sidewalk, and drainage system. It will also freshen up the area with a focus on additional seating, thoughtful placement of vegetation with a focus on native plants, and an expanded irrigation system. A new library sign will also be installed, donated by the Friends of the Plain City Public Library with funds from the Della Selsor Trust.

Work will begin on the new reading garden the week of August 23, 2021. During construction the entrance to the library will be periodically inaccessible. Library patrons should watch for directional signage to a temporary entrance.

The Library is looking forward to the garden being completed in October for individuals, families, and small groups to use and enjoy. To learn more about the McCabe Memorial Reading garden, visit www.plaincitylib.org or call 614-873-4912.

Please enjoy renderings from the McCabe Memorial Reading Garden design plan below.

Storytime Kits

Storytime Kits are designed to make PCPL’s in-person and online Storytime experience more engaging for children by introducing interactive early learning activities. These kits are appropriate for children ages 2-5 and include instruments and manipulatives that will be used at least once throughout PCPL’s seasonal Storytime sessions.

Storytime Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Visit the library during open hours (Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm) to pick up your child’s Storytime Kit. Kits may not be reserved.

Each of these items will be used in storytime sessions throughout the year but feel free to explore and play with them anytime! Below are some suggested activities to go along with each item. Have fun playing and learning!

Rhythm stick activities: https://teaching2and3yearolds.com/easy-rhythm-sticks-activities-toddlers-preschoolers/

Egg shaker activities: https://picklebums.com/music-shakers/

Bean bag activities: https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/bean-bag-games.html

Ribbon wand activities: http://www.beactivekids.org/assets/pdf/RibbonActivities.pdf

Silk scarf activities: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2019/01/play-silks-and-why-we-love-them.html

Storytime Kits are funded in part through a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.

Updated 11/15/21

BookFlix Digital Resource for Kids

Good news—the Plain City Public Library has subscribed to a fun new reading program that children and their caregivers can access from home! Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic animated stories from with thematically aligned nonfiction ebooks to build a love of reading and learning.

This engaging digital resource for children in grades PreK–3 will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills, and introduces them to a world of knowledge and exploration.

Your children can access Scholastic BookFlix anywhere there is an internet connection – it’s like having access to the library’s collection 24 hours a day, seven days a week! BookFlix includes:
• 135 classic animated stories, each paired with a related nonfiction ebook
• Spanish language versions of 37 pairs of fiction and nonfiction
• Read-aloud supports so students can hear each book narrated, and also hear definitions of key
words and directions for each activity
• Educational puzzlers so children can show what they have learned
• Safe, age-appropriate web links so kids can extend their learning on a topic
• Meet the Creator section to learn more about each fiction book

Scholastic BookFlix is specifically created to support non-, beginning, and reluctant readers—it’s the perfect resource for independent reading practice at the library and at home!

To get started, click on the BookFlix logo below. You’ll be prompted to enter your Plain City Public Library card number. Then read, listen, and enjoy!