Children's Internet computers

All three Carlsbad libraries offer computers with Internet access designated for children and teens. In order to use these computers, the following conditions apply:

• All youth under age 18 must have an Internet and Computer User Agreement signed by a parent or guardian. Parents are responsible for the terms of the Internet and Computer User Agreement whether accompanying their child or not.
• Children under the age of 12 must have a parent remain with them while they use the Internet.
• Children under the age of 13 must use the terminals in the children's area.
• Teens 13 to 17 may use the adult or children's computers.
• Adults may use the children's Internet computers only if they are supervising their child in the children's area.
• Supervising adults must relinquish their computer if youth are waiting to use the Internet.

Read the Carlsbad City Library Computer Policy for more information.

Computers are not equipped with filtering software. Guidelines for Internet safety are available at www.safekids.com.

Software on children's computers

• Microsoft Word 2007
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
• Microsoft Excel 2007
• Internet Explorer 7
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Windows Media Player
• Popcap Games (selected computers)

Children's databases

A library card is needed to access databases from home.

Grolier Encyclopedia
The Library offers five online encyclopedias:

• Encyclopedia Americana: This classic reference source is an excellent place to gather background information on just about any topic.
• Grolier Multimedia: Geared toward kids, this is a great source for brief, authoritative articles as well as links to quality sources on the Web.
• America the Beautiful: Search here for maps, history, state symbols, biographies of famous Americans and more.
• Lands and Peoples: This encyclopedia of countries, cultures and current events features an electronic atlas, weekly news stories and study questions, and flags and statistics from around the world.
• La Nueva Enciclopedia Cumbre: This Spanish-language encyclopedia contains more than 17,000 articles in Spanish, plus illustrations, maps, flags and more.

NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8
Fiction and nonfiction book recommendations as well as reviews, book group discussion topics, lists of award winners and more.

Searchasaurus: Magazine Articles (and more!) for Kids
Kids, search here for pictures, facts about animals and more.

Science Online
With biographies of more than 1,900 scientists, over 3,000 diagrams of key science topics, timelines of scientific achievement, a scientific dictionary and more than 2,000 essays on important science topics, Science Online offers a wealth of homework help.

Printing options

• Black and white and color laser printing is available
• 15¢ per page for black and white
• 75¢ per page for color
• Wireless printing is not available

Saving options

• Bring a portable storage device to the Library
• Purchase a USB drive from the Library
• Purchase a CD or diskette from the Library
• E-mail the work to a personal account

Early literacy stations

Each Carlsbad Library location offers early literacy stations geared toward children ages 2-10. These computers contain more than 45 educational software packages spanning seven curricular areas.